Astros vs Cubs Preview: Heart of the Rotation

The Astros are limping into Wrigleyville with serious injuries piling up. Star shortstop Carlos Correa is out for the season after ankle surgery. Second baseman Jose Altuve won't play for weeks with an oblique strain. Catcher Yainer Diaz is also sidelined. That's three key bats missing from Houston's lineup. The team sits 20-31 and just lost their last game. Spencer Arrighetti takes the mound for Houston tonight. He has to keep the Cubs' bats quiet while Houston's injury-plagued offense tries to score runs. It's a tough spot for the visiting Astros.

Chicago is 29-21 overall and a strong 18-8 at Wrigley Field. That's their home fortress. But the Cubs just dropped five straight games. They're 2-8 over their last ten games. That's a rough stretch. Jameson Taillon gets the ball for the Cubs tonight. He's a veteran pitcher who knows how to battle on the mound. The Cubs believe in their pitching staff and their balanced lineup. They need to snap this losing streak tonight against Houston. Wrigley Field is roaring, and the Cubs want to get back on track.

Friday night brings two teams fighting for their season's momentum. The Astros are 20-31 and desperate. The Cubs are 29-21 but stuck in a 5-game losing streak. Both teams need a win. Arrighetti faces Taillon in a pitcher's duel scenario. Houston's injuries mean they have to get creative with their lineup. Chicago's defense and balance give them an edge at home. The Cubs want to prove they can bounce back. The Astros want to prove they can win without their injured stars. Wrigley Field is the stage. Two hungry teams will battle it out under the Friday night lights.