On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Marlins series preview

The Cubs took two of three from the Marlins at Wrigley Field a couple of weeks ago. Here’s Thomas Bennett of our SB Nation Marlins site Fish Stripes to update us on his team:

Having met a mere two weeks prior, not much has changed for the Marlins since their last encounter with the Cubs. They've gone a respectable 7-5 against the likes of the Pirates, Athletics, Braves and Nationals and remain within striking distance of .500 at six below. Oh, and they're still for sale.

Perhaps the most notable development the past fourteen days or so is the return of Justin Bour from the disabled list (and the impending return of Martin Prado and Adeiny Hechavarria, which would bring the opening day lineup to full health for the first time in almost two months). The ex-Cub farmhand Bour has picked up his breakout season right where he left off before his brief DL stay, smoking a grand slam Monday night to keep himself amongst the top ten in home runs in the National League.

Series Prediction: The Marlins are playing better as of late; still, I don't feel comfortable offering up anything more optimistic than a series split at two apiece.

Fun fact

Ichiro Suzuki pinch-hit in all three Cubs/Marlins games at Wrigley, getting warm applause each time and getting one hit. After that series he went on a six-game hitting streak and now has 3,049 career hits. Next up on the all-time list: Rod Carew (3,053) and Rickey Henderson (3,055).

Pitching matchups

Thursday: Jake Arrieta, RHP (6-5, 4.64 ERA, 1.326 WHIP, 4.08 FIP) vs. Jeff Locke, LHP (0-2, 4.58 ERA, 1.322 WHIP, 3.54 FIP)

Friday: John Lackey, RHP (5-7, 4.98 ERA, 1.340 WHIP, 5.54 FIP) vs. Jose Urena, RHP (5-2, 3.64 ERA, 1.244 WHIP, 5.17 FIP)

Saturday: Jon Lester, LHP (4-4, 3.83 ERA, 1.287 WHIP, 3.66 FIP) vs. Justin Nicolino, LHP (0-1, 5.06 ERA, 1.688 WHIP, 6.63 FIP)

Sunday: Mike Montgomery, LHP (1-3, 2.26 ERA, 1.239 WHIP, 3.75 FIP) vs. Edinson Volquez, RHP (3-8, 4.19 ERA, 1.397 WHIP, 4.27 FIP)

Times & TV channels

Thursday: 6:10 p.m. CT, CSN Chicago, MLB Network (outside Chicago and Miami markets)

Friday: 6:10 p.m. CT, WGN

Saturday: 3:10 p.m. CT, ABC7 Chicago

Sunday: 12:10 p.m. CT, CSN Chicago

Prediction

Though I’d like to see the Cubs start getting back to dominance and win three of four here, I have to agree with Thomas Bennett. Despite having favorable pitching matchups in most of these games, I don’t see anything better than a split. I hope the Cubs prove me wrong by taking the series.

Up next

The Cubs will play another four-game road series against a team outside their division, the Washington Nationals. It begins Monday night in Washington.