Sunday afternoon baseball carries a specific kind of weight, especially when a team fighting for early-season momentum meets a squad already perched atop its division. On April 5, the Cleveland Guardians will host the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field, offering a stark contrast in trajectories as both teams attempt to define their identities in the opening weeks of the 2026 campaign.
For those wondering how to watch Cubs vs. Guardians, the matchup is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET. Whereas local broadcast rights typically dictate the primary TV channel—often split between regional sports networks for the home and away markets—fans can generally access the game through their local MLB affiliate or via the MLB.TV streaming service for out-of-market viewers. Given the early-season timing, checking local listings for the specific regional carrier is the most reliable way to ensure you don’t miss first pitch.
The Guardians enter the contest as the current leaders of the AL Central with a 5-3 record, while the Cubs find themselves in a more precarious position. Sitting at 3-4 and fifth in the NL Central, Chicago is searching for a spark to ignite a season that has felt disjointed thus far.
A Study in Pitching Extremes
The mound matchup for Sunday presents a fascinating disparity in early-season performance. The Cubs will rely on Edward Cabrera, who has been a revelation in his limited action. Cabrera currently boasts a perfect 1-0 record and a 0.00 ERA, providing Chicago with a rare sense of stability in the rotation.
Conversely, the Guardians are expected to start Slade Cecconi, whose start has been considerably more turbulent. Cecconi carries an 0-1 record and a challenging 12.46 ERA. For the Guardians, this game is as much about Cecconi finding his rhythm as it is about the team’s overall win-loss column. The Cubs’ offense will likely view this as a prime opportunity to craft inroads against a struggling starter.
Offensive Firepower and Breakout Stars
While the pitching tells one story, the bats are telling another. Cleveland is currently riding the wave of a historic start from Chase DeLauter. In just 27 plate appearances, DeLauter has rewritten the early-season record books, leading the MLB with five home runs. His 1.293 OPS—which currently ranks fourth across the league—makes him the most dangerous threat in the Guardians’ lineup.
The Guardians also have Gabriel Arias to worry about; Arias enters Sunday on a two-game home run streak, adding significant depth to a Cleveland attack that is already firing on all cylinders. Even the veteran presence of Jose Ramirez remains critical, despite a modest .188 batting average, as his ability to disrupt the base paths and create pressure remains a cornerstone of the Cleveland strategy.
For the Cubs, the offensive burden falls on a few key contributors. Ian Happ has shown flashes of power, hitting three long balls—ranking him fourth in the MLB—despite a struggling .179 batting average. Nico Hoerner continues to be the “glue” player for Chicago, maintaining a .292 batting average and showing exceptional discipline on the base paths with a perfect success rate on four stolen base attempts.
The Injury Toll in Chicago
Perhaps the most significant factor looming over the Cubs is their sprawling injury report. The organization is currently managing a medical ward of talent that has severely hampered their depth and consistency. The loss of Seiya Suzuki (10-day IL, knee) removes a vital piece of their middle-of-the-order production, while the absence of Justin Steele and Shelby Miller (both on the 60-day IL with elbow injuries) has forced the team to rely heavily on its reserve arms.
The Cubs’ forearm and elbow issues extend to their young talent as well, with Jordan Wicks and Cade Horton both sidelined on the 15-day IL. This lack of available depth makes every single inning pitched by Cabrera and the bullpen critical to their survival in this series.
Team Health Snapshot: April 5
| Team | Key Players Sidelined | Primary Injury Site | IL Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | Justin Steele, Shelby Miller | Elbow | 60-Day |
| Cubs | Seiya Suzuki | Knee | 10-Day |
| Cubs | Jordan Wicks, Cade Horton | Forearm | 15-Day |
| Guardians | George Valera | Calf | 10-Day |
| Guardians | Hunter Gaddis, Andrew Walters | Forearm/Lat | 15-Day |
What to Watch For
As fans look for the best ways to watch the action, the primary storyline will be whether the Cubs’ offense can capitalize on Slade Cecconi’s struggles. If Chicago can drive early runs, they may be able to neutralize the momentum of a Cleveland team that is currently dominating the AL Central.
However, if DeLauter and Arias continue their power surges, the Cubs’ pitching staff—already depleted by injuries—could find themselves in a steep hole early. The game serves as a litmus test for the Cubs: can they compete with the league’s elite when their roster is operating at such a diminished capacity?
Following this Sunday matchup, both teams will look toward their next series as they attempt to solidify their standings. For the Guardians, it is about maintaining a grip on first place; for the Cubs, it is a desperate search for a winning streak to climb out of the NL Central basement.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the matchup in the comments below. Who do you think takes the win at Progressive Field?
