The Chicago Cubs were riding a three game winning streak during the first few days of July, this streak and the Chicago Cubs July Schedule could help propel them in the right direction.
Cubs fortunes leading into a potentially easy July
During their next 27 games, the Cubs will play 23 games against opponents who are currently under .500. The lone series that features a team over .500 is the three game series against the Cardinals from July 6th to 8th. This series includes a double header on Tuesday.
After being swept by the Cardinals, the Cubs reversed their fate and swept the Mets for the second time this year. During these three games, the Cardinals lost to the White Sox twice and lost to the Padres one night later.
The Cubs should hope that this trend keeps going, because getting swept by the Cardinals again would almost completely drown their chances of winning the NL Central.
Another challenging point in the schedule may come up when the team plays the Braves for three games, then play the Reds for three games. The only difference is that there will be a double header against the Reds on July 22nd, the last day of the series.
This all comes up after the Cubs relievers were electric during their three game sweep of the Mets, without Neil Ramirez, who is in his last stage of rehab in Triple-A Iowa.
Bottom of the rotation is a wildcard
On top of all that, another thing to look for is Tsuyoshi Wada’s spot in the Cubs rotation. Wada, who took place of Travis Wood, is on the 15-day DL while his spot is occupied by sinker-baller Donn Roach.
In his first start against the Cardinals, Roach pitched 3 1/3 innings and retired six batters in a row at one point. However, Roach also gave up four singles and a double before getting replaced in the fourth inning.
Roach got another start on Friday against the Marlins, and is also slated to pitch against the Cardinals on Wednesday, July 8.
The full schedule (TV included) can be found on Cubs.com
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