Chicago @ Chicago preview

Chi. Cubs at Chi. White Sox

Last Meeting ( May 13, 2018 ) Chi. White Sox 5, Chi. Cubs 3

Jose Quintana was responsible for plenty of highlights during his time on the South Side, but he will try to reach new heights when he takes the mound for the visiting Chicago Cubs in his former home park on Friday. Quintana aims to surpass his career-high win total when he takes the mound for the Cubs in the opener of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox.

It will be Quintana’s first start against his former team since being traded across town in a mid-season deal in 2017. It’s a big one for the Cubs, who are clinging to a 2 1/2-game lead over Milwaukee in the National League Central. The White Sox don’t have as much to play for, though they need three wins in the last 10 games to avoid their first 100-loss season since 1970. They also have a chance to win the season series, which the Cubs lead 2-1 after taking two of three at Wrigley Field from May 11-13.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago (Cubs), WGN (White Sox)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (13-10, 3.95 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (6-9, 4.05)

Quintana failed in his first bid for win No. 14, allowing two runs - both on solo homers - over five innings in a 2-1 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday. The 29-year-old has allowed two or fewer runs in six straight outings, posting a 2.10 ERA over that stretch. Quintana is 22-27 with a 3.59 ERA in 84 games (82 starts) in his former home park.

Lopez has been lights-out of late, tossing 13 consecutive scoreless innings over his last two outings and giving up just two runs over 27 innings across his last four starts. The 24-year-old has struck out at least six batters in five straight starts and has surrendered only one home run during that stretch. Lopez is 2-3 with a 3.81 ERA in 14 home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs RHP Pedro Strop (hamstring) told reporters that he expects to return to game action before the end of the regular season.

2. White Sox 2B Yoan Moncada is 15-for-45 with four RBIs over his last 11 games.

3. Chicago OF Kyle Schwarber (back) is expected to return to the lineup during the series after being sidelined since Sept. 10.

PREDICTION: Cubs 3, White Sox 2