Chicago Cubs: Mike Montgomery makes rotation debut against Colorado

Mike Montgomery makes his first start of 2017, and the Chicago Cubs look to snap a two-game skid against the Colorado Rockies Friday from Wrigley Field.

The Chicago Cubs (30-29) dropped their second-straight game Thursday night, falling to the Colorado Rockies (39-23) 4-1 in the opener of a four-game series.

Earlier this week we covered the value of Mike Montgomery (0-3, 2.21 ERA), including his effectiveness out of the bullpen for manager Joe Maddon, and the potential of coming out of the rotation. Now that Kyle Hendricks has been put on the disabled list with tendinitis, the lefty will have his opportunity to start.

Montgomery last pitched for Chicago on Monday against Miami. In impressive fashion, he earned his second save of the season, pitching the final 3 1/3 innings. Only giving up three hits, Montgomery struck out three.

His longest outing of the season was four innings against the Giants May 25.

Pitching matchup

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For his career, Montgomery has made 23 starts, including five for the Cubs in 2016. That includes a start against the Rockies, in which he threw 4 1/3 innings and allowed one run in the eventual Cubs win. While Montgomery did not record a decision in five starts, he featured a respectable 3.33 ERA.

As for the Rockies, they are off to their best start in franchise history through their first 62 games.

On the season they have had their way against the Cubs, taking three of the first four meetings and two of three back in Colorado early May. Opposing Montgomery will be right-hander German Marquez (4-3, 4.53 ERA).

The rookie earned his first win of 2017 against the Cubs, twirling eight strong innings in a 3-0 win May 10. Marquez had a rough go of it last time out against the Padres, allowing six earned runs over five innings of work.

Chicago looks to improve upon their current 5-2 homestand. On the season the Cubs are 19-13 at Wrigley Field.

Broadcast information

CSN Chicago carries the television broadcast with Len & J.D. making the call. For the radio, it’ll be Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer on 670 AM WSCR.