After rain postponed the series opener Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds will look for an assist from Mother Nature on Wednesday if they are to begin their now-abbreviated two-game set. The unexpected day off was a welcome reprieve for the Cubs, who extended their bullpen in Monday's 6-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Jay Bruce, who was able to enjoy batting practice prior to the rainout, will attempt to match a franchise record by homering in his fifth straight game. The mark is shared by Ted Kluszewski, Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn. The 25-year-old earned National League Player of the Week honors on Monday after hitting .476 with four blasts and 10 RBIs.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSOH (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (2-1, 4.12 ERA) vs. Reds RH Bronson Arroyo (1-0, 2.70 ERA)
Samardzija will be making his first start since last Tuesday, when he tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings but received a no-decision against St. Louis. The 27-year-old allowed only four hits and struck out nine. Samardzija surrendered five runs in each of his previous two outings but managed to post a 1-1 record. He has split his two road starts this year despite yielding 10 runs over 8 2/3 innings.
Arroyo has pitched well in his last three starts following a rocky season debut but has only one win to show for his efforts. The veteran lasted only five innings in a no-decision against San Francisco on Wednesday, allowing two runs - one earned - and nine hits. Arroyo is 9-8 with a 2.91 ERA in 25 career meetings with Chicago.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati's Miguel Cairo is expected to start a minor league rehab assignment this week, manager Dusty Baker revealed Tuesday. Cairo, who will turn 38 on Friday, has been sidelined with a strained left hamstring.
2. In lieu of the rainout, the Cubs elected to move left-hander Paul Maholm back to Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Maholm was originally scheduled to start Wednesday's game - and the club is expected to activate right-hander Ryan Dempster (thigh) off the disabled list to start Thursday.
3. After this series concludes, the National League Central rivals will reconvene in the Queen City from Aug. 17-19. This series will likely include a doubleheader to make up Tuesday's rained out contest.