Chicago Cubs heading into unique schedule stretch beginning Friday

Seattle Mariners, April 10-12

The Cubs stay put on Clark and Addison to welcome the Seattle Mariners. Boasting one of the best young players in the game, Julio Rodriguez, Seattle will look to dig itself out of an early-season slow start. Furthermore, the Mariners will conclude its regular season series with the Guardians this weekend. Opening weekend, Cleveland spoiled Seattle's season start, winning three out of four at T-Mobile Park. At home, the Cubs are 6-2 versus the Mariners while averaging 5.3 runs per game in those eight games. Fans, enjoy these irregular matchups. Although Chicago will see the other 29 teams at some point in 2023, it's not a guarantee to be at Wrigley, especially for the American League.

At Los Angeles Dodgers, April 14-16

Five or six years ago, this was the marquee matchup in the National League. Today, these two franchises are slowly trying to reinvent themselves. Between 2015-2022, the Cubs or Dodgers advanced to the National League Championship Series in all but two seasons (2019 and 2022). With the way the roster has been constructed, and remaining in the top-5 for payroll in 2023, the Dodgers are competing for another World Series. In 2022, Chicago's mid-July trip to Chavez Ravine wasn't memorable. The Dodgers swept the Cubs in four games, which began Chicago's season-high nine-game losing streak. However, a late-season surge showcased sensible baseball and a shimmer of hope. Weekend series, but no games will be nationally televised, for good reason. All we can ask for is a competitive series like it was last season in L.A. (the Dodgers' average margin of victory was 1.75 runs). Also of note, Cody Bellinger returns to Los Angeles for the first time as a visitor.