Can Chicago Cubs Right Ship Against Phillies?

The slumping Chicago Cubs pack their bags for a three-game weekend series against a struggling Philadelphia Phillies squad. Here's what you need to know about the matchup!

Chicago is needing to put their past few games (and series) in the rearview mirror. Sure, the Chicago Cubs sit third in the National League Central but with a record of 19-24. Not ideal and their manager David Ross is likely feeling the pressure. 

So off to play the Philadelphia Phillies they go!

A small bit of good news is that second baseman Nico Hoerner will return under the light Friday night off the injured list. He suffered a mild hamstring strain against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 8. 

They also hope to end their losing ways after a sweep from the Houston Astros and a bad outing against the Minnesota Twins. 

Here are the matchups for every game and a prediction for the series.

Friday, May 19 at 6:05 pm CT

Marcus Stroman (2-4, 3.24 ERA) vs Ranger Suarez (0-0, 6.5 ERA)

It'll be the first home start for Phillies starter Ranger Suarez and the Cubs' bats would be more than happy to put him through the wringer. There is no doubt that Hoerner's presence at the top of the Cubs' lineup has been missed. He's slashing .303/.348/.395 so far this season. 

He provides value in the leadoff spot for the Cubs. He's got a good ability to put the ball in play. The Cubs haven't had someone with that element in recent weeks. It's been missed. 

Stroman is looking slightly better than his last outing but the pitching woes are following Chicago around the country. In 2 starts against the Phillies last season, Stroman allowed just two earned runs in 13.0 innings pitched. But the ace isn't fairing as well so far in 2023. 

Expect the offense to get going if Suarez has a bad outing.

Saturday, May 20 at 3:05 pm CT

Jameson Taillon (0-2, 6.66 ERA) vs. Aaron Nola (3-3, 4.53 ERA)

May has been rough for the Cubs. Chicago is 8-13 on the road and has lost eight of its last 10 games and 11 of 16 overall during the month. Not a stellar feeling heading back on the road. 

Taillon has been roughed up in 2023, as has most of Chicago's rotation. He has a 6.66 ERA. After his return from the IL, Taillon hasn’t reached the fifth inning and has allowed at least three runs in each of his three starts. 

The Phillies' continued offensive problems should help Taillon out but if Kyle Schwarber or Bryce Harper picks his weakness, Chicago might be in trouble. However, Philadelphia is on its own four-game losing streak with offensive woes. 

Sunday, May 21st at 12:35 pm CT

Justin Steele (6-1, 2.44 ERA) vs. (TBA)

There's no announcement for Philadelphia's pitching quite yet but the best guess is it will be Matt Strahm.  The right-hander isn't doing horrible either this season, sitting with an ERA of 2.81 and a 3-3 record. 

Chicago can put guys like Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki up against him to do some damage. Suzuki is on a hot streak. He's 10-for-25 with four home runs and eight RBI in the last seven games.

Prediction: Chicago will drop Saturday's game against Nola but will win the Friday night contest. Sunday is a toss-up but they might fall depending on who Philadelphia puts on the mound. 

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