Cubs at Braves
There’s a bit of a playoff feeling brewing between the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs this week, and not just because of the shifting locales. Two National League contenders square off for the second straight day - but in a different city - when the Braves host the Cubs to open a three-game series Tuesday.
In an odd twist, the teams met in Chicago on Monday to make up a game that was postponed due to inclement weather last month. Atlanta pounded three homers en route to a 6-5 win, including what proved to be a game-winning three-run blast from Jose Bautista. The Braves have won three straight and six of their last seven to move 10 games above .500 for the first time since July 28, 2014, giving them the best record in the NL. Kris Bryant homered Monday for his sixth in his last 11 games for the Cubs, who have lost two straight following a five-game winning streak.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago Plus, FS Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Yu Darvish (0-3, 6.00 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (3-2, 3.21)
Darvish is set to come off the disabled list and make his first start since May 2 after having his last outing scrapped due to flu-like symptoms. The 31-year-old is off to a disappointing start with only two quality starts in his first six outings. Darvish faced the Braves for the first time on April 13 in Chicago and allowed four runs on nine hits over 4 2/3 innings in a 4-0 loss.
Foltynewicz has allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his eight starts with one rough outing against San Francisco mixed in May 4. The 26-year-old bounced back with a strong performance last time out, holding Miami to one unearned run and three hits over five innings. Foltynewicz is 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA in two starts against the Cubs, but he allowed only two runs over 6 1/3 innings in a hard-luck loss last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. After scoring 15 runs in Darvish’s first two starts, the Cubs have totaled only seven in his last four outings.
2. The Braves have homered in a season-high seven straight games.
3. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis is 11-for-27 with five multi-hit games during a six-game hitting streak.