Detroit @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 19, 2015 ) Detroit 15, Chi. Cubs 8

The Chicago Cubs look to continue their recent dominance over American League opponents - and keep beating up on the American League Central - when they host the Detroit Tigers for a two-game set starting Tuesday. The Cubs are 33-17 in interleague play since the start of 2016 and coming off a three-game sweep of Minnesota as they continue their stand against the AL Central.

The Cubs have scored 46 runs during a four-game winning streak, scoring in double digits in four straight contests for the first time since a club-record five-game streak in 1930. Second baseman Javier Baez, who was named the National League Player of the Week on Monday, has been a big part of the offensive surge, as he was 14-for-29 with six doubles, two homers, and 10 RBIs last week. Detroit had lost 11 straight before claiming the final two games of a four-game set at Toronto, including a 3-2 victory in 10 innings Monday. The Tigers are a dismal 15-27 on the road, but they’re a perfect 6-0 in Chicago, where they’ve swept two three-game sets from the White Sox.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Detroit, NBCS Chicago


PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (3-7, 4.20 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (5-8, 4.21)

Fulmer has lost two straight starts, but he pitched well enough in five June turns (3.48 ERA) to bolster his trade value. The 25-year-old gave up four runs over eight innings Thursday against Oakland, and another deep outing against a strong lineup would help further raise his profile. Fulmer is 2-5 with a 2.72 ERA in eight career interleague starts.

Hendricks has lost five of his last six starts and is coming off a disastrous outing is a road loss Wednesday at the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 28-year-old allowed six runs and eight hits over 2 2/3 innings - his shortest outing since his rookie campaign of 2014. Hendricks has pitched well at home this season, but he hasn’t gotten much support - he’s 3-5 with a 2.96 ERA in eight starts at Wrigley Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs have scored 10 or more runs a major league-leading 14 times this season.

2. Detroit on Monday placed OF Leonys Martin (hamstring) and RHP Shane Greene (shoulder strain) on the disabled list. Greene is the team’s closer and one of its top potential trade chips.

3. Cubs SS Addison Russell has 10 RBIs in his last four games and is 10-for-24 during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Tigers 4