It's been a month since the Cardinals and Cubs squared off, and things are looking far different now than they did after Chicago took two a month ago at Wrigley.
The Cardinals host the Cubs for three games this weekend at Busch Stadium starting with a 7:15 p.m. first pitch Friday.
51ºÚÁÏ entered that series last month tied for the third and final-wild card spot, but that weekend in Chicago helped further entrench the Redbirds into an 8-17 stretch, ensuring the team would sell at the trade deadline.
For Chicago, riding high with a four-game division lead after pummeling the Cardinals on national television in the finale, they've gone 12-12 since and have watched their four-game lead flip to a four-game deficit thanks chiefly to the scorching Brewers winning 21 of 25.
Given all that has transpired since, the Cardinals are in the rare position of playing spoiler to the Cubs. Since 1999, 51ºÚÁÏ has finished with the better record more than twice as many times as the Cubs have: 17-8.
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Since the All-Star break, Chicago's high-scoring offense ranks 23rd in runs scored, a big factor in the team losing three of five series.
Three of the team's best hitters, Kyle Tucker, Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki, are combining to hit .169 since the break. Busch and Suzuki are below the Mendoza line.
The right-hander Michael McGreevy (3-2, 5.08 ERA) will start Friday for the Cardinals. He gave up five earned runs to the Cubs in late June at Busch and, more recently, has struggled in two starts since earning a rotation spot, giving up 11 total runs.
Left-hander and All-Star Matthew Boyd (11-4, 2.34 ERA) will start for the Cubs. The team's most dependable starter, he has permitted more than two runs just once in his last 12 starts, putting up a 1.55 ERA in that time.
In two starts vs. the Cardinals this season, he has permitted six total hits and no runs.
The Cardinals have won seven of the last 10 games facing a left-handed opposing starter.
51ºÚÁÏ, fresh off a series win against the Dodgers, is 58-58 and 5 1/2 games out of the final wild-card spot.
The Cubs are 66-48. They trail Milwaukee by four games for the National League Central lead.
Yadier Molina, in town for an event, will be back in the Cardinals' dugout Friday and Saturday and sitting beside manager Oliver Marmol.
Game also airs on KMOV (Channel 4) and Matrix (Channel 32)
Friday's game, in addition to the usual airing on FanDuel Sports Midwest, also is simulcast on local broadcast television on KMOV (Channel 4) and Matrix Midwest (Channel 32). throughout the Cardinals footprint in six nearby states will also carry the game.
It's one of numerous games this season that are set for local broadcast TV on KMOV and/or Matrix.
How to watch Cardinals vs. Cubs
When:Â 7:15 p.m. Friday
Where:Â Busch Stadium in 51ºÚÁÏ
TV/radio: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest (), KMOV (Channel 4), Matrix Midwest (Channel 32) as well as ; KMOX (1120 AM and 104.1 FM), other stations in the as well as .
Your options to watch: Input your ZIP code and see your choices for watching Cardinals games.
Lineups
CARDINALS
1. Brendan Donovan, 2B
2. Iván Herrera, DH
3. Willson Contreras, 1B
4. Alec Burleson, LF
5. Masyn Winn, SS
6. Jordan Walker, RF
7. Thomas Saggese, 3B
8. Pedro Pagés, C
9. Garrett Hampson, CF
P:Â Michael McGreevy, RHP
CUBS
1. Michael Busch, 1B
2. Seiya Suzuki, DH
3. Kyle Tucker, RF
4. Ian Happ, LF
5. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
6. Carson Kelly, C
7. Willi Castro, 3B
8. Nico Hoerner, 2B
9. Dansby Swanson, SS
P:Â Matthew Boyd, LHP
Injury report
John King, LHP (left oblique strain): King said he plans to throw a higher intensity bullpen on Saturday as he nears a rehab assignment, which could begin as early as Tuesday. King took four days off from throwing after the injury but has since been able to return to full baseball activity. The lefty said he threw a bullpen on Thursday at around “50-60%†intensity. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 30 after he left the previous night's game in the middle of an at-bat with left side tightness. Updated Aug. 8
Nolan Arenado, 3B (right shoulder strain): Arenado arrived in Jupiter, Florida, at the Cardinals' complex Friday and began a stretch of seven to 10 days strengthening his shoulder. Being at the spring training complex will allow him access to backfield games, if he wishes and is cleared to do so. Arenado went on the 10-day injured list Aug. 1 with a shoulder injury he’s spent the past month trying to play through. There is no timetable for his return. Updated Aug. 8
Zack Thompson, LHP (shoulder, lat strain): Lefty starter remains on a throwing program in Jupiter, trying to overcome some setbacks as he increased the intensity of his throws through the course of the season. He's visited 51ºÚÁÏ for evaluation to monitor if the injury worsens. Thompson has been sidelined since the start of March and was transferred to the 60-day injured list in early April. There is no timetable for his return to the mound. Updated Aug. 6
