Pregame Notes: Cubs look to avoid sweep by Phillies

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

After getting shutout on Saturday afternoon, A.J. Burnett will take the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies to try to sweep the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs` offensive woes have been well-documented in the first several games, but the pitching has certainly kicked off the year well with a 2.45 ERA thus far.

Even though he made a couple (unsuccessful) outings in Pittsburgh, Carlos Villanueva (0-2, 13.50 ERA) will indeed get the start today against the Phillies, looking to continue a strong performance from Cubs starters, and he will be opposed by Burnett (0-0, 1.50 ERA). Burnett was fantastic for Pittsburgh last year even as a pitcher in his late 30s, and will be a very difficult task for the light-hitting Cubs today.

Rick Renteria made some changes in the lineup today, with Ryan Kalish in the two hole instead of Starlin Castro, who is in the six spot.

Luis Valbuena is once again at third base today against the right-hander while Mike Olt sits against another righty.

Game Time: 1:20 p.m. CST
TV: WGN

Here`s how the two squads will line up: