The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds open a three-game divisional series Friday at 1:20 p.m. CT at Wrigley Field. David Peterson will start for the Cubs against Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder.

Peterson has pitched well in recent outings. Per reporting on his last eight starts, the left-hander posted a 2.20 ERA and 1.146 WHIP while allowing only four home runs over 41 innings, a stretch that began after a rough outing against the Cardinals in early July. Peterson has faced Cincinnati twice this season.

The Cubs activated utilityman Matt Shaw from the injured list Friday after the infielder missed two months with a sprained left hand, ESPN reported. One outlet characterized the series as "somewhat important to one of the teams involved," though the reporting did not specify which club or provide additional context.