Cubs vs Astros: Pitching Probables, Injuries, Broadcast Info

Cubs vs Astros — It is almost never a good time to face the Astros, but the Cubs seem determined to help every on-paper good team get their season headed in the right direction after a slow start (Dodgers, Cardinals, Twins, and now maybe Houston?).

On the bright side, the Astros offense has been very not-good this year (88 wRC+, 25th). And they’ve been even worse over the last two weeks, slashing a combined .221/.276/.333 (69 wRC+, 28th in MLB).

Unfortunately, Framber Valdez (starting tonight) has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, with seven quality starts out of eight games. In fact, the only time he DIDN’T go at least six innings with 3ER or fewer was his first start of the year … when he went 5.0 scoreless innings against the White Sox with no walks. The Cubs do seem to handle left-handed pitching a lot better than righties, though. So at least there’s that.

Plus, we’ve got Justin Steele going tomorrow. And this is the final series before Nico Hoerner is eligible to return. Fingers crossed.

Cubs vs Astros – Pitching Probables:

Game 1: Monday, May 15 at 7:10 CT at Minute Maid Park
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score

  • Cubs: Jameson Taillon, RHP
  • Astros: Framber Valdez, LHP
  • Game 2: Tuesday, May 16 at 7:10 CT at Minute Maid Park
    Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, TBS, 670 The Score

  • Cubs: Justin Steele, LHP
  • Astros: Cristian Javier, RHP
  • Game 3: Wednesday, May 17 at 6:05 CT at Minute Maid Park
    Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score

  • Cubs: Drew Smyly, LHP
  • Astros: J.P. France, RHP
  • Key Injuries:

    Chicago Cubs:

  • Nico Hoerner, 2B
  • Kyle Hendricks, SP
  • Codi Heuer, RP (TJS)
  • Ethan Roberts, RP (TJS)
  • Houston Astros:

  • Michael Brantley, OF
  • Jose Altuve, 2B
  • Parker Mushinski, RP
  • Lance McCullers Jr., SP
  • Jose Urquidy, SP
  • Luis Garcia
  • written by

    Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

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