Chicago Cubs host Brewers as Haren makes Wrigley debut

Cubs look to continue hot streak against lowly Brewers

The Chicago Cubs didn’t make any “big” deals at the deadline, but Dan Haren may have been an under the radar pickup that can help solidify the back-end of a strong rotation. It’s the been the play of the kids that’s fueled this run in the second half; led mostly by Kyle Schwarber. 

Haren (7-7, 3.49) didn’t figure in the decision against the Pirates, as skipper Joe Maddon felt he may have been “too pumped”. The Wrigley crowd might not make it any easier for him as the Cubs (62-48) look to create some distance from the Giants as they try to catch the Pirates for the top Wild Card spot.

The Brewers (48-65) seemed to be the catalyst for the Cubs, as when they met last time the Cubs had just dropped four out of five and many were starting to think this season was passing them by. But they swept the Brewers who had just been dismantled by the trade deadline to begin their ascension into the Wild Card race.

Taylor Jungmann (6-3, 2.26) takes the mound for the Crew, and he’s been a pleasant surprise for them. He struck out a career-high eight in his last outing against the Padres as he allowed two runs or less for the eighth consecutive start.

Anthony Rizzo has been squaring up the ball well as of late, and it won’t hurt to see the Brewers again. in his last 19 games against them he’s batting .391 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs. The one pitcher who has had their number is closer Francisco Rodriguez who hasn’t allowed a run in four innings while striking out eight. The only Cub with more than one hit against him is Starlin Castro who will be transitioning to a reserve role while learning second base, according to Maddon.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. CSN will have the television coverage while WBBM 780 will have the radio broadcast.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s series opener: