Rays at Cubs Series Preview: Probables, How to Watch, and More

The Chicago Cubs start a seven-game homestand Monday when they begin a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs (5-4) are coming off a four-game series split at the Colorado Rockies. Chicago won the opener, 5-2, then dropped the next two before winning the finale 6-4.

Seiya Suzuki hit his fourth home run and had two walks Sunday, continuing to display his patient approach at the plate. The Japanese outfielder has a .400/.543/.960 slash line with a 25.7 percent walk rate in his first MLB season.

Willson Contreras also hit a home run as a designated hitter, while Yan Gomes hit an RBI single as catcher. It was the first time Contreras served as a designated hitter and Gomes called pitches behind the plate. Being able to alternate between the two will pay off in the long run of the season for Contreras’ health and durability.

The Rays (5-5) ended their losing streak at four games with a 9-3 victory against the White Sox on Sunday in Chicago. Francisco Mejia and Kevin Kiermaier each drove in two runs to lead Tampa Bay to a win. The Rays scored only nine runs during their losing streak.

Right-handed pitcher Javy Guerra, who was acquired by the Rays from the Padres for cash Saturday, is expected to join the team Monday.

Injuries

Chicago Cubs: Alec Mills: 10-Day IL (back), Andrelton Simmons: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Wade Miley: 10-Day IL (elbow), Adbert Alzolay: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Codi Heuer: 60-Day IL (elbow), Brad Wieck: 60-Day IL (elbow), David Bote: 60-Day IL (undisclosed)

Tampa Bay Rays: Shane Baz: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Patino: 60-Day IL (oblique), JT Chargois: 10-Day IL (oblique), Ryan Yarbrough: 10-Day IL (groin), Brendan McKay: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Pete Fairbanks: 60-Day IL (lat), Tyler Glasnow: 60-Day IL (elbow), Nick Anderson: 60-Day IL (elbow), Yonny Chirinos: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Probable Pitchers

Monday: Kyle Hendricks, RHP (0-1, 7.00 ERA, 2.11 WHIP) vs. Shane McClanahan, LHP (0-1, 3.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP)

Tuesday: Justin Steele, LHP (0-0, 1.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) vs. Josh Fleming, LHP (0-0, 4.05 ERA, 1.65 WHIP)

Wednesday: Marcus Stroman, RHP (0-1, 6.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) vs. Drew Rasmussen, RHP (0-1, 5.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP)

How to Watch

Monday: 6:40 PM, Marquee Sports Network

Tuesday: 6:40 PM, Marquee Sports Network

Wednesday: 6:40 PM, Marquee Sports Network

All times Central

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Brandon Cain

Brandon is a contributor for On Tap Sports Net covering the Chicago Blackhawks, Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Steel. He also covers the Blackhawks as an independent correspondent for NHL.com. Follow Brandon on Twitter @brandonmcain.