The Cubs are in a free fall, but if they can do well against the St. Louis Cardinals they can get back in the playoff race.
Betting baseball will make the long season more exciting and there is no place better to wager on major league baseball than Skybook. Online sportsbook Skybook has the latest odds and wagering opportunities on every game in baseball.
The Cubs and Cardinals have grown accustomed to battling it out over the years. But they will offer a fresh look this time around.
With both teams pulling the trigger on trades this week, Chicago and St. Louis will begin a three-game series Friday with some fresh faces.
The Cardinals were part of two trades among three teams covering 11 players on Wednesday, netting them, among others, right-hander Edwin Jackson from the Blue Jays. Jackson, who was traded from the White Sox to Toronto earlier that day, will make his first start for St. Louis on Friday. He has played for six teams in eight years.
"It feels like I was born on the move," Jackson said. "It seems like with my name, they don't end up being rumors, they always go through. This is a winning situation for me. There's a great group of guys here, a lot of energy here and a it's a chance to go into the postseason. I'm happy to be thrown in the mix here."
Jackson, 27, posted a 7-7 record with a 3.92 ERA for the White Sox this season. He racked up 97 strikeouts and 39 walks in 121 2/3 innings. But the move cost the Cardinals a solid young player, as they sent center fielder Colby Rasmus to Toronto.
Still, Cubs manager Mike Quade expects a potent Cardinals lineup.
"They're a club that made multiple moves and it will change their look, for sure. But it won't change those animals in the middle of their lineup -- it won't change that look at all," Quade said. "Finding a way to get those guys out will be huge."
Chicago will be without a regular in its lineup, too.
The Cubs traded outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to the Indians for two Minor Leaguers on Thursday. Tyler Colvin is expected to step in for Fukudome and start in right field.
In an attempt to earn a win with its new lineup, Chicago will start Matt Garza. Despite a 1.29 ERA in his past three starts, Garza has not earned a victory in that span.
Will Garza finally get a win or will the Cardinals push the Cubs farther down in the standings? Find out tonight as you watch baseball and wager at Skybook!