Pregame Notes: Cubs do battle with former mate Garza, Brewers

Apr 14, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher

(22) looks on after giving up a home run to St. Louis Cardinals shortstop

(27) during the second inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

After falling flat on their faces on Wrigley Field’s 100th birthday, the Chicago Cubs failed to take the series finale at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, meaning the label of being the league’s only team without a series win will continue heading into a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

The Cubs (7-14) will take on former teammate Matt Garza in tonight’s opener, and this matchup will mark the first time the right-hander has taken on his former club since he was traded last year. It also marks the first career start Garza has ever made against the Cubs, given he has spent the majority of his career in the American League.

Milwaukee (16-6) will face Chicago righty Carlos Villanueva, who enters play Friday with a 1-4 mark and an astronomical 10.93 ERA this season. Once right-hander Jake Arrieta completes his rehab assignment, it is expected that Villanueva returns to the Cubs’ bullpen.

In his last start, Villanueva eased his way through the first three frames against Cincinnati, but needed almost three dozen pitches to get through the fourth, and failed to make it through the fifth.

Tonight’s game will be broadcast on WGN 720 AM and on CSN+2 in the Chicagoland area. First pitch is slated for 7:10 p.m. CT.

Here are tonight’s starting lineups: