Cubs scouting report

Posted September 08, 2016 1:00 am

Cubs vs. Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park

TV: WGN today; FOX Saturday; ESPN Sunday

Radio: WSCR 670-AM

Pitching matchups: The Cubs' Jon Lester (15-4) vs. Joe Musgrove (2-3) today at 7:10 p.m.; John Lackey (9-7) vs. Collin McHugh (9-10) Saturday at 12:05 p.m.; Jake Arrieta (16-6) vs. Mike Fiers (10-6) Sunday at 7:08 p.m.

At a glance: These former NL Central foes square off for the first time since 2013. The Astros are second in the American League West, and they're fighting for a wild-card spot with AL East teams and the Tigers from the Central. Ace pitcher Dallas Keuchel is out indefinitely with a strained left shoulder. Former Cub Luis Valbuena is out for the year with a hamstring injury. Jose Altuve entered Thursday's game at Cleveland leading the AL in hitting. His complete line was .344/.406/.552 with 22 homers, 92 RBI and 189 hits. George Springer had 26 homers. Anthony Rizzo has 3 homers in the last two games for the Cubs. Leadoff man Dexter Fowler is in a slump. He's 0-for-18 over his last four games.

Next: St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, Monday-Wednesday

- Bruce Miles

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