Pregame Notes: Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks to take on Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs will begin a series at Busch Stadium Friday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, looking to throw a wrench into the defending National League champions’ plans for a return to the postseason.

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Chicago (59-74) will look to rookie right-hander Kyle Hendricks (5-1, 1.78 ERA) who has been dominant since joining the big league club. His streak of six straight quality starts was snapped on Aug. 23 against Baltimore when a lengthy rain delay ended his outing after just two innings, during which he allowed a pair of runs. This is his second start of the season against St. Louis.

On the injury front, Chicago first baseman Anthony Rizzo will miss his third straight contest with lower back tightness. On the other side of things, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was activated prior to Friday’s game and will start behind the plate.

St. Louis (71-61) will hand the ball to another young right-hander, Shelby Miller (8-9, 4.26 ERA), who has struggled to some degree in 2014. The 23-year-old righty has allowed 18 homers this season and has struggled since starting the season on a respectable note.

Tonight’s game will be broadcast on WGN and WGN-AM 720 has the radio call. First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. CT.

Here are the starting lineups: