Pregame Notes: Cubs, Brewers set for battle at Wrigley

Coming off an extra-inning win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon, the Chicago Cubs will look to get off on the right foot in a series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field Monday night.

Chicago (50-66) turns to right-hander Jake Arrieta (6-3, 2.80 ERA) in tonight’s opener. The young right-hander was shelled by the Rockies at Coors Field last week, allowing a career-high 13 hits and a season-high nine runs in just five innings of work. However, his impressive 1.85 ERA in seven starts at home this season should bode well as he seeks to rebound from his sub-par outing.

One of the hottest bats in the Cubs’ lineup over the last week has been shortstop Starlin Castro, who leads all National League players at his respective position in hits. In his last seven ballgames, the right-handed-swinging Castro is 8-for-25 (.320) with a home run and 2 RBIs. However, he has also struck out seven times.

Milwaukee (65-53) continues to battle for a playoff spot, leading the National League Central by two games over the Cardinals and 2 1/2 games over the Pirates. The club turns to right-hander Yovani Gallardo (6-6, 3.54 ERA) tonight. The righty allowed three first-inning runs his last time out, lasting just four innings.

Tonight’s game will begin at 7:05 p.m. CT. CSN Chicago has the television broadcast and WGN AM 720 has the radio call.

Here are tonight’s starting lineups: