Cubs Den

Cubs vs Cardinals Series Preview: (8/17-8/19)

The Cubs face their first adversity of the 2020 season after dropping three straight to the Brewers this weekend. Despite that, they still sit at 13-6 and hold a less secure 3.5 game lead in the NL Central.

Chicago now welcomes St. Louis for bizarre five-game series over three days. The Cardinals just returned to play this weekend after staff and players tested positive for COVID-19 almost two weeks ago. Part of the makeup plan involves two doubleheaders on Monday and Wednesday at Wrigley Field.

The Cardinals have only played eight games this year, but last year’s squad won the division. The starting rotation is weaker especially with Miles Mikolas injured. Paul Goldschmidt still looms in the middle of the lineup.

The Cubs need to focus on winning these games, easier said than done with the issues swirling around St. Louis. They can continue to put themselves in a position to pile up wins and secure playoff position.

Watch/Listen

Monday: 4:15 PM CT on Marquee SN/670AM (Doubleheader)

Tuesday: 7:15 PM CT on Marquee SN/670AM

Wednesday: 1:20 PM CT on Marquee SN/670AM (Doubleheader)

Lineups

Cardinals

1. Kolten Wong (L) 2B

2. Tommy Edman (S) SS

3. Paul Goldschmidt (R) 1B

4. Tyler O’Neill (R) LF

5. Matt Carpenter (L) DH

6. Dylan Carlson (S) CF

7. Brad Miller (L) 3B

8. Dexter Fowler (S) RF

9. Matt Wieters (S) C

P. Kwang Hyun Kim (L)

Cubs

1. Kris Bryant (R) LF

2. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B

3. Javier Baez (R) SS

4. Willson Contreras (R) C

5. David Bote (R) 3B

6. Steven Souza Jr. (R) RF

7. Josh Phegley (R) DH

8. Albert Almora Jr. (R) CF

9. Nico Hoerner (R) 2B

P. Kyle Hendricks (R)

Starting Pitcher Matchup

Via mlb.com

Bullpen Usage

Lineups and Bullpen Usage via Baseball Press.

Update: Steven Souza is out with hamstring tightness.

Happ inserted in fifth spot, Bote drops from fifth to sixth. Bryant LF, Rizzo 1b, Baez SS, Contreras C, Happ RF, Bote 3B, Phegley DH, Almora CF, Hoerner 2B. Hendricks P

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) August 17, 2020