Game 1 Preview: Cubs vs Yankees at 12:05 p.m. CST

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After two off-days the Chicago Cubs (4-8) will get to get going in the right direction this afternoon in the first game in a day-night doubleheader at Yankee Stadium against the New York Yankees (7-6).

The Cubs will send Jason Hammel (2-0, 2.63 ERA) to the mound to face Japanese sensation Masahiro Tanaka (1-0,  3.21 ERA). Tanaka has had problems in the early innings of both of his initial starts with the Yankees and the Cubs will look to take advantage to get an early lead. Hammel has been awfully good in his two starts with the Cubs, and has plenty of experience facing the Yankees in his career.

Hammel has faced the Yankees 17 times in his career and has a 3-3 record with an ERA of 5.17. All of those appearances came as a member of either the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Yankees are dealing with injury issues once again in 2014. Derek Jeter (quadriceps) has missed some time, as well as Brian Roberts (back). Catcher Brian McCann had his right hand hit by a stray foul ball on Sunday night, but x-rays were negative. Backup catcher Francisco Cervelli is out with a hamstring injury and the Yankees recently put first baseman Mark Teixiera on the DL, as well.

First pitch is set for 12:05 CST – it will be televised on Comcast SportsNet as well as WGN radio 720 AM.