Texas @ Chicago preview

Texas at Chi. Cubs

Last Meeting ( Mar 19, 2013 ) Texas 4, Chi. Cubs 5

The Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs are about where they were expected to be heading into a three-game interleague series, beginning Tuesday at Wrigley Field. Players for both teams will wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball's color barrier 66 years ago Monday. The Rangers have won or split each of their first four series and stand second behind the Oakland Athletics in the American League West.

Chicago is off to a rough start in large part because of trouble with the back end of the bullpen. The Cubs have lost three one-run games and fell in extra innings Sunday to drop three of four to San Francisco. The Cubs do have help on the way, as second baseman Darwin Barney is expected to be activated from the disabled list before the game. The Gold Glove winner began the season on the DL after suffering a deep cut on his knee during spring training.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (Texas), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Derek Holland (0-1, 2.40 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Travis Wood (1-0, 1.46)

Holland is still looking for his first win despite turning in quality starts in each of his first two outings. He was a tough-luck loser last time out, finding himself on the wrong side of a shutout despite holding Tampa Bay to two runs over eight innings. Holland has made one start against the Cubs, in 2010, and did not factor in the decision.

Wood has notched quality starts in his first two starts, including six innings of one-hit ball in his season debut against Pittsburgh. He allowed two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings last time out against Milwaukee, but he did not factor in the decision. Wood has never faced the Rangers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago is hitless in its last 23 at-bats with runners in scoring position.

2. Cubs SS Starlin Castro is riding an eight-game hitting streak. He is 1-for-3 with a home run against Holland.

3. Rangers DH Lance Berkman is 7-for-11 with two homers against Wood, but he will be limited to a pinch-hitting role in the National League park.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Cubs 3