Cubs vs. White Sox scouting report
Cubs vs. White Sox at Wrigley Field
TV: Comcast SportsNet and WGN Friday and Sunday; FOX Saturday
Radio: WGN 720-AM and WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The Cubs' Jeff Samardzija (4-1) vs. Philip Humber (1-2) Friday at 1:20 p.m.; Ryan Dempster (0-1) vs. John Danks (2-4) Saturday at 6:15 p.m.; Paul Maholm (4-2) vs. Jake Peavy (4-1) Sunday at 1:20 p.m.
About the Cubs: The biggest issue facing the Cubs is a beleaguered bullpen, which has been beset by injury and ineffectiveness. Right-hander Blake Parker came up Thursday to replace lefty Scott Maine. Samardzija is 0-1 against the White Sox, having made 3 career relief appearances against the Sox. He has a 2.89 ERA for the season. First baseman Bryan LaHair entered Thursday leading major-league first basemen in home runs (10). Cubs hitters entered Thursday 13th in the National League in runs scored, 12th in home runs, 13th in walks, 14th in on-base percentage and 13th in slugging percentage.
About the White Sox: They split a quick two-game series against the Angels in Anaheim, Calif., before returning back to Chicago. The White Sox were 4-2 vs. the Cubs last year and lead the all-time interleague series 45-39. Adam Dunn has 41 career home runs against the Cubs, the second-highest total among active players; Albert Pujols is first with 53. Dunn is expected to play left field in all three games at Wrigley. Dayan Viciedo, the Sox' regular left fielder, might get some playing time at third base in place of slumping Brent Morel. Viciedo is 8-for-16 with 3 HRs and 7 RBI in his last four games. Humber pitched much better his last time out, allowing 1 run on 4 hits in 62⁄3 innings vs. the Royals. Humber made 1 start vs. the Cubs last season and pitched 7 shutout innings.
Next for the Cubs: Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, Monday-Wednesday
Next for the White Sox: Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field, Tuesday-Thursday
— Bruce Miles and Scot Gregor