When Matt Garza was placed on the DL earlier in the week, the Cubs were left with only two of their Opening Day starting rotation.Today they get one of their starters back. Randy Wells will be activated from the Disabled List and is scheduled to start today against Pittsburgh. Wells only made one start this season before being placed on the disabled list with an arm strain. In that one start Wells pitched great. He went six innings and allowed only one run on just six hits.
Taking the ball for Pittsburgh (23-26) today will be Paul Maholm. Don't let Maholm's 1-7 record fool you. He has pitched much better then that. In his ten starts he has only allowed four or more runs two times and his 3.65 ERA proves that he has been a victim of run support. Maholm faced the Cubs on April 2nd and earned a no decision. He pitched six and two thirds innings and allowed no runs on five hits.
If the Cubs (22-27) plan on getting back in the race, they will need to start winning series against teams like Pittsburgh. After Friday's loss they are 1-3 versus the Pirates this season. Saturday they will look to even the weekend series at a game a piece.
First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 CST. The game can be seen on CSN. The forecast at first pitch is temps in the upper 60's with overcast skies.