Cubs vs White Sox: Surely, This Won't Be an Annoying Weekend

"the Brewers have surged back from last place in the NL Central to just 2.5 games out of first, with a record seven games over .500. Also, I hate them. And the White Sox, while only one game over .500 on the season, are having more fun maybe than any team in the league over the past few weeks. They're riding a five-game winning streak, they're 16-8 over their last 24 games, and they're 12-9 at home, where this series will be played."

"There is some good news, though. And that's the fact that the White Sox have been way better against lefties (115 wRC+, 5th in MLB) than righties (97 wRC+, 19th in MLB) this season. That's fortunate because the Cubs are throwing three straight righties in Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Colin Rea."

"Of course, Cabrera is actually coming off his worst start of the season against the Rangers, who tagged him for 5 earned runs on seven hits in just 5.0 IP. He's allowed seven homers over his last four starts and just hasn't quite looked as dominant as we know he can be yet this season. Likewise, Colin Rea (starting the finale on Sunday) also had a tough time against the Braves, who got him for an identical 5 ER on 7 hits, but over just 4.1 IP."

"Jameson Taillon, by contrast, is riding a nice three-game stretch (3.00 ERA over 18.0 IP), and we know he can lock in like this for six(ish) weeks at a time. So hopefully, he stays hot. On the flip side, I thought I'd be happier to learn that the Cubs will miss White Sox prospect Noah Schultz this weekend (and I am, to an extent), but the results h"

The Cubs enter a demanding six-day stretch with games against the White Sox and Brewers. The White Sox have climbed to competitive form, including a five-game winning streak and strong recent performance, with solid home results. The Brewers have also surged upward in the NL Central. Chicago’s offense has been notably better against left-handed pitching than right-handed pitching. The Cubs plan to start three consecutive right-handers, including Edward Cabrera, Jameson Taillon, and Colin Rea. Cabrera and Rea recently struggled against the Braves and Rangers, while Taillon has been pitching well over a short stretch. The Cubs will miss White Sox prospect Noah Schultz for the weekend.

Read at Bleacher Nation