Diamondbacks at Cubs Series Preview: Probables, How to Watch, More

The Chicago Cubs start a four-game weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs had won four straight and five of their past six before a 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. Chicago native Jack Suwinski hit a home run in the fifth inning to lift the Pirates past the Cubs after back-to-back shutout losses to Chicago. The Cubs’ recent winning ways include 4-2 and 3-2 wins last weekend at Arizona.

Chicago is getting healthier on the mound as Marcus Stroman is removed from the COVID-19 list and expected to start Thursday. The 31-year-old last pitched May 1. He is 1-3 with a 5.13 ERA in five starts this year after signing a three-year, $71 million deal with the Cubs.

Closer David Robertson (COVID IL) also made his return Wednesday, striking out two in the loss.

The Diamondbacks (18-21) have lost six straight, which includes four consecutive road losses to the World Series contending Los Angeles Dodgers. Three of Arizona’s losses in LA were by two or fewer runs.

Injuries

Arizona Diamondbacks: Kyle Nelson: 10-Day IL (undisclosed), Cooper Hummel: 10-Day IL (undisclosed), Ketel Marte: day-to-day (hand), Keynan Middleton: 15-Day IL (undisclosed), Nick Ahmed: 10-Day IL (undisclosed), Carson Kelly: 10-Day IL (oblique), Luke Weaver: 10-Day IL (elbow), J.B. Bukauskas: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

Chicago Cubs: Michael Hermosillo: 10-Day IL (COVID), Daniel Norris: day-to-day (right achilles), Jason Heyward: 10-Day IL (undisclosed), Nico Hoerner: 10-Day IL (ankle), Sean Newcomb: 15-Day IL (ankle), Nick Madrigal: 10-Day IL (low back), Marcus Stroman: 10-Day IL (undisclosed), Ethan Roberts: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Clint Frazier: 10-Day IL (appendicitis), Alec Mills: 10-Day IL (back), Adbert Alzolay: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Codi Heuer: 60-Day IL (elbow), Brad Wieck: 60-Day IL (elbow), David Bote: 60-Day IL (undisclosed)

Probable Pitchers

Thursday: Marcus Stroman, RHP (1-3, 5.13 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) vs. Zac Gallen, RHP (2-0, 1.05 ERA, 0.67 WHIP)

Friday: Kyle Hendricks, RHP (2-3, 4.03 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) vs. Humberto Castellanos, RHP (0-0, 4.15 ERA, 1.19 WHIP)

Saturday: Justin Steele, LHP (0-0, 4.50 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) vs. Madison Bumgarner, RHP (2-2, 2.29 ERA, 1.19 WHIP)

Sunday: Wade Miley, LHP (1-0, 2.70 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) vs. Merrill Kelly, RHP (3-2, 3.27 ERA, 1.27WHIP)

How to Watch

Thursday: 6:40 p.m., Marquee Sports Network

Friday: 1:20 p.m., Marquee Sports Network

Saturday: 1:20 p.m., Marquee Sports Network

Sunday: 1:20 p.m., Marquee Sports Network

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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.