With the Pirates having lost eight of their last ten games, Nick Kingham (2-1, 3.44) has been recalled for the third time in the young season, this time to take Ivan Nova’s spot in the rotation as he heads to the disabled list with finger discomfort on his throwing hand.
In addition to his three starts with the Pirates, for whom he’s walked only two and K’d 21 in 18 innings, Kingham has made six starts at Triple-A Indianapolis and one with Double-A Altoona, with a combined ERA of 2.86.
The Cubs will send out their second left-hander in as many games, the now familiar face of Jon Lester, who in ten starts this year has put up a 2.