Cubs at Rockies (Game 2)
The Chicago Cubs received an unexpected – but much-needed – day off, but now they’ll play at least 18 innings for the second time in three days. After the series opener was rained out, the visiting Cubs begin a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday with a split doubleheader.
The Cubs needed the extra day after losing an 18-inning marathon to the New York Yankees on Sunday night that completed a three-game sweep. The Rockies (20-12) are off to the second-best start through 32 contests in franchise history - one win behind the mark set in 1997. Colorado began its 10-game homestand by winning two of three against Arizona for its third consecutive series win. The Rockies captured four of six meetings with the Cubs last season, and slugger Carlos Gonzalez is hitting .333 with 13 homers and 29 RBIs in 41 career games against Chicago.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH John Lackey (2-3, 5.14 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (3-1, 2.65)
Lackey failed to record an out in the sixth inning last time out for his shortest outing of the season. The 38-year-old has surrendered three or more runs in five of his six starts and has given up at least one home run in his last five outings. Lackey is 2-2 with a 6.25 ERA in five starts against the Rockies.
Freeland lasted 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision Thursday at San Diego, allowing one run and three hits for his third straight quality start. The 23-year-old rookie has given up more than one run in only one of his six starts, and the Rockies are 5-1 when he is on the mound. Freeland leads the major leagues with a 65.1 percent ground ball rate.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago traded OF Matt Szczur to San Diego on Monday for RHP Justin Hancock, who went 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in 10 relief appearances at Double-A San Antonio this season.
2. Colorado is the only team in the major leagues yet to lose a one-run game, going 9-0 in such contests.
3. The Cubs placed OF Jason Heyward (finger) on the 10-day disabled list Monday and recalled RHP Dylan Floro from Triple-A Iowa.