Cardinals at Cubs
After having two consecutive games postponed by nasty weather, the Chicago Cubs might not be able to carry over any momentum from their offensive outburst in their last contest. But perhaps their inconsistent offense will get a boost from star first baseman Anthony Rizzo’s return to the lineup against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday.
The opener of the scheduled three-game series was wiped out by wet, frigid weather on Monday – the Cubs’ fourth postponement already this season. Rizzo (back) was expected to return from the disabled list then but should benefit from an extra day of rest as he looks to provide a spark to a lineup that has been boom-or-bust through 14 games but broke out late in Saturday's 14-10 win over Atlanta. The Cardinals probably weren’t thrilled about having a day off on Monday, considering they brought a four-game winning streak to the Windy City. The Cubs won 14 of the 19 meetings between the National League Central rivals last season.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (0-2, 5.06 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (0-2, 4.91)
Wainwright has lost each of his first two starts but produced a quality outing Wednesday against Milwaukee, allowing three runs over seven innings. The three-time All-Star is 10-2 with a 3.79 ERA in his career at Wrigley Field, including 7 2/3 frames of two-run ball in his most recent start there in July. Addison Russell is 6-for-15 with three doubles against Wainwright, who is 14-9 with a 4.03 ERA lifetime versus the Cubs.
Chatwood struggled in his home debut with the Cubs last Tuesday, allowing five runs and nine hits over five innings in a loss to Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old did register seven strikeouts and felt good about his stuff, but the Pirates were able to make solid contact. Chatwood is 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA in four career games (one start) against St. Louis.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rizzo was 3-for-28 with seven strikeouts in six games before going on the disabled list.
2. Cardinals 2B Matt Carpenter is 1-for-14 over his last four contests and is hitting .160 on the season.
3. The Cubs are averaging 8.7 runs in their seven wins and 1.6 in their seven losses.