Chicago Cubs heading into unique schedule stretch beginning Friday

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Following two-consecutive N.L. Central opponents to begin 2023, the Chicago Cubs return to the Friendly Confines to begin one of the more quirky portions of this season. Beginning Friday afternoon versus the Texas Rangers, the Cubs play teams from the A.L. or N.L. West for the next six series.

Below is an interpretation of what to expect over the coming weeks. As we know, the 2023 MLB schedule was significantly altered. Not only were divisional games decreased; Interleague Play skyrocketed from 20 games to 46 beginning in 2023. Pitching matchups are provided for this weekend's set with Texas. Due to the trials and tribulations (aka rotations tend to change a lot), a team faces throughout a series, let alone a season, pitching matchups for the following series won't be mentioned.

Texas Rangers, April 7-9

The new-look, highfalutin Texas Rangers visit Wrigley Field for a weekend series. All time, the Cubs are 5-4 against Texas at home. This is the Rangers' first visit to the Northside since 2016. New manager, bolstered rotation, and certainly an exponentially increased payroll, everything about the 2023 Rangers is different from seven years ago. As for Chicago; oh what a difference a scintilla of a century makes. At this point, the Cubs continue to plug and play at certain positions while mulling the actual direction the franchise is heading. Nonetheless, sometimes these early-season, idle matchups manifest into edge-of-your-seat, extra-inning anarchy. Hey, there may even be a perfect game, no-hitter, etc.

Friday, April 7 @ 1:20 p.m. CST

Nathan Eovaldi (1-0) vs. Marcus Stroman (1-0)

Saturday, April 8 @ 3:05 p.m. CST

Martín Pérez (1-0) vs. Justin Steele (0-0)

Sunday, April 9 @ 1:20 p.m. CST

Jon Gray (0-1) vs. Jameson Taillon (0-1)

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.

At Oakland Athletics, April 17-19

Goodness, it's a shame to be playing in California for one week, and half of that week is spent at the RingCentral Coliseum. Crumbling before our eyes, the "coliseum" (more of an eyesore) was infamously known for the salacious act which transpired high above the playing field last August than the franchise which has played at the humble abode for more than five decades. Anyway, the Cubs pay a visit to the "Milk Bowl" for the first time since 2016. Cubs swept Oakland during that historic season. On the contrary, it's an unequivocally different Chicago team. Nonetheless, early season wins still count in the standings. Expect a mundane series.

Los Angeles Dodgers, April 20-23

Returning home, the Cubs cross paths with the Dodgers once again. This time, the Cubbies will engage with Los Angeles for a four-game series. Despite the heartache and exceptional shift of power in the N.L., historic matchups in baseball always bring the best out of the sport. Cubs and Dodgers, early spring at Wrigley is comforting. There is something to be said about a trio of afternoon contests on the Northside. Depending on the preceding series, the Cubs could be in a multitude of situations. Perhaps Chicago is riding a 10-game winning streak into that Thursday evening first pitch against Los Angeles. However, a champagne taste on a beer budget doesn't always go over well. Undoubtedly, sit back, relax, and hope this series is a preview of a potential Wild Card matchup.

San Diego Padres, April 25-27

Last but certainly not least, the Cubs will play host to the undeniably underachieving San Diego Padres. Showcasing the third-highest payroll in the majors, the Padres currently stand at .500. Yes, the season is still in its infancy. On the other hand, San Diego remains scorned by an embarrassing loss in last year's NLCS. According to MLB.com, the Padres are slated as the seventh-best pitching rotation, even after losing Mike Clevinger in free agency. All time, the Cubs are 278-232 versus San Diego. Looking for its 150th win versus the Padres at Wrigley, this isn't a classic Tony Gwynn/Mark Grace matchup, but seeing a star-studded San Diego doesn't ever hurt.

Wrapping up, this scheduling snafu isn't historical nor important. Moreover, the newly-designed schedule invites these quirks into a franchise's typically dry, temporal season. Playing every opponent at least one series throughout the season is appreciated, especially with the current state of Major League Baseball's parity. You don't know who could sneak into the postseason, let alone shock the world and squeak into the Fall Classic.

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