Pirates at Cubs Series Preview: Probables, How to Watch, and More
Photo: ESPN.com
The Chicago Cubs close out a seven-game homestand with a four-game series against an NL Central Divisional foe in the Pittsburgh Pirates starting Thursday at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs (6-6) opened the homestand with a 2-1 series loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Chicago won the opener 4-2, but fell 6-5 and 8-2 in 5 1/2 innings due to rain Wednesday.
After the game, the Cubs acquired left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb from the Atlanta Braves for righty Jesse Chavez and cash considerations. He has a 7.20 ERA in five innings of work in three games this season after making 32 appearances in 2021. Chavez posted a 6.35 ERA in three games for the Cubs this season.
The Pirates (5-7) enter the series in Chicago after being swept in a three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. Pittsburgh's offense struggled, only scoring a combined five runs in the series in Milwaukee.
Season Series
The Cubs and Pirates split a two-game set last week at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. The Cubs claimed the first game 2-1 then fell 6-2 in the second.
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)
Pittsburgh Pirates: Zach Thompson: day-to-day (shoulder), Duane Underwood Jr.: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Greg Allen: 60-Day IL (hamstring), Blake Cederlind: 60-Day IL (elbow), Anthony Alford: 10-Day IL (wrist), Sam Howard: 10-Day IL (back), Max Kranick: 10-Day IL (forearm), Nick Mears: 60-Day IL (elbow)
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Probable Pitchers
Thursday: Mark Leiter Jr., RHP (0-1, 18.90 ERA, 2.70 WHIP) vs. Bryse Wilson, RHP (0-0, 5.40 ERA, 1.56 WHIP)
Friday: Drew Smyly, RHP (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.83 WHIP) vs. Jose Quintana, LHP (0-1, 3.86 ERA, 1.61 WHIP)
Saturday: Kyle Hendricks, RHP (0-1, 6.08 ERA, 1.95 WHIP) vs. Zach Thompson, RHP (0-0, 9.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP)
Sunday: Justin Steele, LHP (0-0, 1.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) vs. JT Brubaker, RHP (0-1, 9.82 ERA, 2.18 WHIP)
How to Watch
Thursday: 6:40 PM, Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network (out-of-market only)
Friday: 1:20 PM, Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network (out-of-market only)
Saturday: 1:20 PM, Marquee Sports Network
Sunday: 1:20 PM, Marquee Sports Network
