Milwaukee @ Chicago preview
Wrigley Field
Last Meeting ( Sep 7, 2013 ) Milwaukee 5, Chi. Cubs 3
Scott Baker made it clear during his rehab that he wanted to pitch in the big leagues this season, and the right-hander gets the chance to do so for the first time in nearly two years when he and the Chicago Cubs host the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Baker hasn't pitched in the majors since Sept. 24, 2011, facing a long rehab process following Tommy John surgery in April 2012. His return comes in as big a game as the Cubs are playing these days - the rubber match of a three-game series between teams trying to avoid the National League Central cellar.
The Brewers pulled back into fourth place - one game ahead of the Cubs - with a 5-3 win Saturday. They send right-hander Yovani Gallardo to the mound on Sunday hoping he can continue his strong performance at Wrigley Field, where he is 3-1 with a 3.49 ERA in eight starts. Milwaukee has won nine of 14 meetings with the Cubs and needs one more victory to clinch the season series for the third straight year. The Cubs are 60-81 and need one win to match last season's total.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (10-9, 4.31 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Scott Baker (NR)
Gallardo has endured his worst season in the majors, but he has come on strong since returning from a stint on the disabled list - going 2-0 with a 1.37 ERA over his last four outings. The 27-year-old recorded his fourth straight quality start Tuesday against Pittsburgh, allowing two runs over seven innings, but didn't get a decision. Gallardo is 7-3 with a 3.25 ERA in 16 starts against the Cubs but hasn't beaten them in two meetings this year.
Baker went 1-3 with a 5.46 ERA in eight rehab starts between Low-A Kane County and High-A Daytona, and he might be pitching for a spot on the Cubs' 2014 roster. The 31-year-old was signed to a one-year deal last offseason, but the club has indicated a willingness to bring him back next year. The longtime Twins hurler is 4-4 with a 5.29 ERA in eight starts against Milwaukee.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs SS Starlin Castro is 14-for-34 with three doubles versus Gallardo.
2. The Brewers are 52-1 when leading after eight innings.
3. Chicago has used 54 different players this season, breaking the franchise mark of 53 set last year. The Cubs still have three players - C J.C. Boscan, RHP Daniel Bard and Baker - who are on the active roster but have not yet appeared.
PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Cubs 1