Houston at Chicago

Being idle yesterday could not have come at a better time for the Cubs, who are 2-8 in their last 10 games. Still, Chicago is 29-21 on the season and should be regrouped here against a much lesser foe after a series against the Brewers. Houston is 20-31. That is tied for the third-worst record in baseball. Cubs starter Jameson Taillon has a much easier path than Houston starter Spencer Arrighetti. If you discount a 10-0 victory against the Reds back on May 8, the Astros are averaging only two runs per game during their last 16 games. They have managed just 12 runs during their past six games. Houston is missing two of its better offensive players, Jose Altuve and Yainer Diaz, who are out with injuries. Arrighetti has been a major surprise since coming up from the minors with a 5-1 record and 1.50 ERA. But now he goes against a Cubs lineup that is sixth in runs, fifth in OPS, and ninth in homers. The Cubs are 18-8 at home. Houston is 8-17 on the road. Take the Cubs.