Zack Littell struck out eight in seven crisp innings in his Cincinnati debut, and the Reds beat the slumping Chicago Cubs 5-1 on Tuesday night. Littell (9-8) allowed three hits and walked two in his first start since he was acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay last week.

Spencer Steer's HR helps the Reds defeat the Cubs 5-1.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs MLB game to be played on August 6, 2025 on ESPN.

Zack Littell (8-8, 3.58 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 89 strikeouts); Cubs: Shota Imanaga (8-4, 3.25 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 63 strikeouts) BOTTOM LINE: The Cincinnati Reds lead 1-0 in a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs.

The Cincinnati Reds needed relievers to cover 15 1/3 innings the last two games, but beat the Cubs Monday night.

The Cincinnati Reds placed left-hander Nick Lodolo on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with a blister on his left index finger. Lodolo left Monday night’s 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs in the second inning.

After agreeing to go to the bullpen after the Cincinnati Reds traded for starting pitcher Zack Littell, Nick Martinez will head right back to the rotation after Nick Lodolo was placed on the injured list on Tuesday with a blister issue on his finger.

Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo, who left Monday's game in the second inning with a blister on his left index finger, was placed on the 15-day injured list.