The Cubs announced on Thursday morning that they had arranged to trade outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to the Cleveland Indians for two minor league players. Fukudome had been the Cubs' right fielder for four years, but will now be headed to the division contending Indians. Tyler Colvin is with the team in Milwaukee should the deal be finalized prior to this afternoon's game against the Brewers.
Starting for the Cubs this afternoon will be Randy Wells. Wells, 2-3 with a 6.17 ERA and 1.68 WHIP, has had a rough time since returning from the DL, with most of his troubles cropping up in the first inning. He's coming off a start against Houston in which he managed to give up just one run on five hits over 6.0 innings pitched, while walking two and striking out four. In his last game against Milwaukee, Wells gave up three runs (two earned) on eight hits and three walks over six innings. Yuniesky Betancourt is 2-for-3 against Wells this season.
The Brewers will send Shaun Marcum to the hill on Thursday. Marcum, 9-3 with a 3.35 ERA and 1.11 WHIP, is coming off of a start against San Francisco where he got the win after giving up just two runs on four hits over seven innings, while striking out five. Marcum has yet to start against the Cubs this year.
The weather in Milwaukee is expected to be warm and rainy, with a game time temperature in the mid-80s. First pitch is at 1:10 P.M., CDT, and the game will be televised on WGN.