The Cubs came in to this current nine game home stand with high hopes getting back in the NL Central race. They were playing three very beatable teams at home facing the Mets,Pirates, and Astros. Two series in they are just 3-3 and now welcome the last place Houston Astros to Wrigley Field.
Game one of the three game series will feature new Cub Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez is in his 11th major league season and was acquired last week from the Atlanta Braves. He had been pitching for the Braves Triple-A club this season. His career record is 75-82 with an ERA of 4.85.
The Cubs (23-28) expect to have Geovany Soto back in the lineup today. Soto has missed the previous seventeen games.
Starting for the Houston Astros (19-34) will be Aneury Rodriguez. Rodriguez has been both a starter and reliever for Houston this season compiling a record of 0-2 with an ERA of 4.98. Monday will be his sixth start of the season and his fifteenth overall appearance.
The first pitch is scheduled for 1:20 CST. The forecast at the time of first pitch is sunny with temps in the mid 80's. The game can be seen on WGN.