The Cubs (12-9) finished a very challenging road trip against the Dodgers and the Padres with a 3-3 record, which is nothing to sneeze at against two of the better teams in baseball. They continue to deftly navigate a treacherous early schedule and are in first place in the National League Central entering the weekend. Now they return to Wrigley Field for an eight-game homestand that begins with three against the Diamondbacks starting Friday.
The Diamondbacks (12-7) have gone 10-5 since splitting their season-opening series with the North Siders in March. They are right in the middle of the four-way battle for a loaded NL West division that looks like it’s going to be a grind all season.