Archer is coming off his best start for the Pirates, a seven-inning, eight-strikeout victory over the Royals on Wednesday at PNC Park. This will be his fourth career start against the Cubs, who dealt him to the Rays for Matt Garza in January 2011.
Montgomery will make his 18th start of the season. He's 5-4 with a 3.35 ERA as a starter. In his last outing, he gave up one run over six innings in a win over the D-backs. He's 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA against the Pirates this season.