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Cubs, Reds resume action in Cincy

Aug 27, 2014 - 2:30 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago Cubs will unveil another prospect on Wednesday, as Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler makes his big league debut in the middle test of a three-game series versus the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Soler, who hit .340 with 15 home runs and 57 RBI this season between the Cubs' Rookie league (rehab games), Double-A and Triple-A affiliates, is the latest prospect to be recalled, joining starter Kyle Hendricks, outfielder Arismendy Alcantara and infielder Javier Baez.

He becomes the eighth player to make his major league debut for the Cubs this season.

"We're starting to see that light at the end of the tunnel," said Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo after Soler's Monday callup. "There's always an expectation to win, but with these guys coming up, they're going to be patient and let them develop and get their at-bats in, but at the same time, we want to win, too."

Rizzo and Alcantara played a big part in Tuesday's win over the Reds, as both homered in the 3-0 triumph.

The two home runs provided the Cubs with all they needed to back a solid outing from Travis Wood (8-11), who snapped a string of six straight losses. Wood gave up just two hits and a walk with five strikeouts over six innings.

"That was nice. Command was good and I was able to keep the ball down," said Wood. "I pitched effectively in the zone."

Starlin Castro finished 2-for-4 for Chicago, which has won four straight games and has homered in a season-high 10 consecutive contests.

Johnny Cueto (15-8), who entered the game with five straight winning decisions over the Cubs, was looking to become the first 16-game winner in the majors. The right-hander allowed three runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings in defeat.

Todd Frazier, Zack Cozart and Skip Schumaker each had a hit for the Reds, who have lost eight of their last 10 games.

Getting the call for the Cubs on Wednesday will be righty Justin Turner, who will be making his first start for Chicago. Acquired from Miami earlier this month, Turner has appeared in two games out of the bullpen for the Cubs and allowed one run in 4 1/3 innings.

"He's come in, relieved for us, I think he's done well," said Cubs manager Rick Renteria. "I know he sees himself as a starter, which I think everybody does. I think we just want to see him pitch. We just want to see how he does. We want to encourage him, we're trying to stay as positive as possible."

Cincinnati will counter with righty Mat Latos, who is 4-3 with a 2.99 ERA. Latos did not get a decision on Friday against Atlanta, but pitched well, surrendering one run and nine hits in six innings of a 3-1 loss.

Latos has faced the Cubs 10 times and is 6-2 with a 2.66 ERA.

Cincinnati is 9-5 against the Cubs this season.