Chicago Cubs: Team set to open homestand amidst rainy weather at Wrigley

The Chicago Cubs open a seven-game homestand Monday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with rain inundating the Chicagland area before game time.

After a disappointing road trip capped by dropping two of three to the Phillies, the Chicago Cubs return to Wrigley Field Monday night. The reigning champs open the homestand with a three-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Chicago (69-60) opens play Monday just two games ahead of Milwaukee in the National League Central. On the year, the Cubs are 5-7 against the Bucs. Left-hander Mike Montgomery hopes to get things started on the right foot.

Montgomery (4-6, 3.43) continues to fill Jon Lester‘s spot in the rotation. Monday marks his second outing as the replacement for his fellow lefty. Last week, he tossed six scoreless against Cincinnati. The Cubs hope he can duplicate that success in the opener.

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Joe Maddon‘s club has relied on its offense in wins of-late. With wet weather in the forecast, we’ll see what kind of pitching performance each club gets from starters.

Pittsburgh (63-68) counters with a young right-hander. Trevor Williams (5-6, 4.40) tossed eight scoreless innings his last time out. But, to be frank, no one really noticed. Why? Dodgers’ lefty Rich Hill took a no-no into the 10th in what turned out to be a Buccos’ win.

Red-hot infielder Tommy La Stella moves into the second spot in the Cubs’ lineup Monday. Veteran backstop Alex Avila will catch Montgomery. Rene Rivera started Sunday’s finale in Philadelphia.

Starting lineups

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What’s Next

Jake Arrieta (13-8, 3.49) takes the ball on Tuesday night at Wrigley. Right-hander Chad Kuhl (6-9, 4.42) opposes him for the Pirates. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. CT.

CSN Chicago carries the television broadcast and 670 WSCR AM will have the radio call.