Pregame Notes: Luis Valbuena returns, Chicago Cubs at Mets; 12:10 p.m. CT, Lineups
Luis Valbuena returns to the Chicago Cubs lineup at third base after missing five games dealing with a sinus problem as the Cubs take on the New York Mets on Sunday at 12:10 p.m. CT on CSN.
Ryan Sweeney will get the start over recent call up Matt Szczur.
Jake Arrieta suffered his second straight loss despite allowing just two runs on five his in 7 1/3 innings in a 3-1 loss to Milwaukee on Monday. The 28-year-old settled for a no-decision in his previous meeting with the Mets on June 3, yielding one run on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.
Rafael Montero dropped his third loss in five outings after allowing five runs on seven hits in five innings in a 7-1 loss to Washington on Tuesday. The 22-year-old right-hander surrendered eight home runs over 25 innings in five starts.
David Wright is 0-for-15 in five meetings against the Cubs while Welington Castillo is 8-for-23 with a solo homer among his two hits Saturday, but John Baker will start behind the plate. Curtis Granderson is just 1-for-25 in his last six games, but post a .409 with three homers in 22 at-bats in his career against Arrieta.
The Cubs continue to struggle at the plate with 24 strikeouts in the series and 101 in their last nine contests.
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