Pregame Notes: Dan Straily makes Chicago Cubs debut; 6:10 pm CT

May 2, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Dan Straily (67) pitches during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Straily will make his debut for the Chicago Cubs after going 3-3 with a 3.00 ERA in seven starts at Iowa. Straily was part of the Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel deal with the Oakland Athletics, and had been fairly productive last season as a starter before hitting a rough patch.

The New York Mets (58-65) will counter with veteran Jon Niese (6-8, 3.46). In his five starts since coming off the DL, Niese has struggled a bit, although he is coming off a strong start against the Phillies in which he went seven innings, allowing only two runs. Niese has been much better at Citi Field, posting a 2.89 ERA at home, while carrying a 3.83 on the road.

Starlin Castro will look to stay hot, as he enters with a 14-game hitting streak. In that span he’s batting .421 (24-for-57). He’s carried nine streaks of 10 or more games, including two 14-game streaks, which is his career best.

The game is a 6:10 pm CT start at Citi Field, and will be carried on WGN and broadcast on WGN 720 AM.

Here’s a look at the starting lineups: