On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Cardinals series preview

Since we just saw these guys last weekend, and for five games at that, there isn’t much new that I can tell you about the Cardinals. The Cubs split four games with the Diamondbacks since then, and the Cardinals lost two of three to the Reds, in so doing falling into fourth place in the N.L. Central. They’re now at .500, and actually closer to last place in the N.L. Central (six games ahead) than first place (8½ games out). This is the second year in a row that the Cardinals have been .500 or worse after the All-Star break.

It could be that their 20-year window of contention is ending. The Cubs are 6-7 against the Cardinals so far this year, and it’s time they put that to an over-.500 mark.

Fun fact

After Sunday, these teams will not meet again until the last three games of the regular season, at Wrigley Field September 28-29-30. Those games could either mean a lot... or nothing, for both clubs.

Pitching matchups

Friday: Mike Montgomery, LHP (3-3, 3.73 ERA, 1.268 WHIP, 4.16 FIP) vs. Luke Weaver, RHP (5-9, 4.79 ERA, 1.383 WHIP, 4.11 FIP)

Saturday: Jose Quintana, LHP (9-6, 3.87 ERA, 1.376 WHIP, 4.55 FIP) vs. Miles Mikolas, RHP (10-3, 2.82 ERA, 1.070 WHIP, 3.22 FIP)

Sunday: Kyle Hendricks, RHP (6-9. 4.05 ERA, 1.258 WHIP, 4.48 FIP) vs. John Gant, RHP (3-3, 3.44 ERA, 1.218 WHIP, 3.96 FIP)

NOTE: Just-acquired Cole Hamels last pitched Monday, July 23, so he could start again as early as Saturday. It’s possible that Hamels might start Saturday or Sunday and Quintana and/or Hendricks could be pushed back and given more rest.

Times & TV channels

Friday: 7:15 p.m. CT, NBC Sports Chicago, MLB Network (outside the Chicago and St. Louis markets)

Saturday: 3:05 p.m. CT, NBC Sports Chicago, FS1 (no blackouts)

Sunday: 7:05 p.m. CT, ESPN

Prediction

Because of last weekend’s doubleheader and the spot start by Luke Farrell on Monday, both Montgomery and Quintana are going on extra rest in this series (and Quintana might get more if Hamels starts), which should help. The Cubs hit two of these Cardinals starters (Weaver and Mikolas) pretty well last weekend at Wrigley Field. The Cubs will take two of three.

Up next

The Cubs have Monday off, then visit the Pirates in Pittsburgh for a brief two-game series beginning Tuesday evening.