Pregame Notes: Cubs look for third-straight win; 3:05 pm CT vs Braves

With a shot in the arm from the young Arismendy Alcantara, the Chicago Cubs look reinvigorated after losing Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel via trade. Edwin Jackson (5-9, 5.05) takes the mound to get the Cubs the series win against the Atlanta Braves.

The Cubs (40-52) are on a familiar pattern again. Losing streak, followed by improved play and a winning streak. Now the Cubs just need to put together an extended winning streak to get over that hump.

The Braves (50-43) will turn to Mike Minor (2-5, 2.54), who has struggled to keep the ball in the park, allowing home runs in 10 of his 13 starts, including the last six straight.

If the Cubs can get to Minor with the long ball, the odds are in their favor. The Cubs have scored three runs or less in over half of their games (51-of-92), and have a 9-42 record in those contests.  But when they score four or more, they’re 31-10.

The young Alcantara will get the start in center field for today’s contest as the Cubs look to get him at-bats while he’s up.

First pitch at Wrigley Field is scheduled for 3:05 pm CT, and will be carried on WGN TV and WGN 720 AM radio as well.

Here are the starting lineups for today’s match-up: