The Chicago Cubs’ home opener is always a special occasion on the North Side, but Mother Nature decided the hoopla would come one day later than scheduled. The Cubs make their debut at Wrigley Field on Tuesday afternoon as they open a three-game series against the red-hot Pittsburgh Pirates after a snowstorm took center stage Monday, but they'll do so without Anthony Rizzo as the first baseman appears headed to the 10-day disabled list for the first time with back tightness.
The Pirates are the early front-runners in the National League Central, having won seven of their first nine contests. Pittsburgh is benefiting from a balanced lineup – six everyday starters are batting over .300, and its bullpen is well-rested entering the series after James Taillon tossed a one-hit shutout against Cincinnati on Sunday. The Cubs also are coming off a shutout, having blanked Milwaukee 3-0 on Sunday to take three of four in the series. Chicago’s offense has been spotty in the early going, but the team managed to get through a season-opening nine-game road trip with a winning record and its pitching has been excellent of late, allowing two or fewer runs in four of the last five games.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, ABC 7 (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (0-1, 6.10 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (0-1, 1.50)
After a decent showing on Opening Day at Detroit, Nova had a tough second outing Wednesday against Minnesota. He allowed five runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings, as things fell apart during a snowy sixth inning. The 31-year-old Dominican is 2-1 with a 4.09 ERA in four career starts against the Cubs.
Chatwood was excellent in his Cubs debut, holding Cincinnati to one run and four hits with six strikeouts over six innings. The only thing missing was run support, as the 28-year-old suffered a tough-luck loss in a 1-0 defeat. Chatwood has posted a 1.50 ERA without recording a decision in two career starts against the Pirates.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cubs are the only team in the majors that has yet to play a home game.
2. The Pirates have scored 58 runs in nine contests – a total they didn’t reach last season until their 17th game.
3. Rizzo has missed three straight games with tightness in his lower back, so the move would be retroactive to Friday.