Pregame Notes: Chicago Cubs welcome Yankees to Wrigley

The Chicago Cubs (15-27) will host the New York Yankees (23-20) for a brief two-game series starting tonight at Wrigley. The Yankees swept the Cubs earlier this season in the two-game set in the Bronx, an April 16 doubleheader.

They’ll get a second crack at Yankee phenom Masahiro Tanaka (6-0, 2.17). Tanaka pitched eight scoreless innings against the Cubs in the first game of the doubleheader in New York while striking out 10.

The Cubs will also be honoring Derek Jeter before Tuesday night’s contest. Jeter is on his “farewell” tour after announcing his retirement following this season. Former Cubs left-fielder Alfonso Soriano also makes his return to Wrigley since being traded last July.

Jason Hammel (4-2, 3.06) will take the mound for the Cubs. He did not record a quality start for the first time this season in his last outing vs the Cardinals.

Starlin Castro looks to remain hot for the Cubs, as he’s hitting .329 (28-for-35) with nine doubles, four home runs and 13 RBIs in 21 games since moving to the clean-up spot. It’s also an emotional game as Castro reunites with Soriano. when Castro joined the Cubs, it was Soriano who took Castro under his wing, helping him acclimate to the Majors.

The game is slated for a 7:05 pm CT start, with WGN handling both the radio and television broadcasts.

Here are the starting lineups for tonight’s contest: