Chicago Cubs Probable Pitchers: Texas Rangers, Apr. 15-17

Chicago Cubs Probable Pitchers, Scott Feldman Won’t Face Former Team

An Apr. edition of MLB Interleague baseball is heading to Wrigley Field. From Apr. 15-17, the Chicago Cubs will host a three-game series against the Texas Rangers.

Probable pitchers for the upcoming series against the Rangers include Travis Wood, Carlos Villanueva and Jeff Samardzija. Unfortunately for Scott Feldman, the Cubs shuffled their starting rotation. The former Rangers pitcher won’t make his next start until Apr. 20. The Cubs are taking precautionary measures on a back injury.

With an 8-5 record, the Rangers are one-game behind the Oakland Athletics for the American League West lead. This isn’t the same Rangers offense that helped lead this franchise to back-to-back American League pennants from 2010-11. This offseason, Josh Hamilton and Michael Young both signed elsewhere. Through 13 games, the Rangers have relied more on their pitching. Their 39 runs allowed is second only to the Boston Red Sox (32 runs) for AL teams.

It’s been a frustrating start for the Cubs. Despite their 4-8 record, this team could easily have flipped those wins and losses around if they’d play better defense or knew how to close a game in the ninth inning. Since Apr. 6, the Cubs have endured blown saves from three different relievers. Manager Dale Sveum can only hope that the return of Darwin Barney will have a positive effect on the rest of a defense that ranks among the worst in errors committed.

The following slideshow is a brief summary of each probable pitcher and matchup for the Cubs vs. Rangers series from Apr. 15-17. Continue with slideshow.

Chicago Cubs: LHP Travis Wood (1-0, 1.46 ERA)

After solid performances against two depleted lineups, Travis Wood faces his first significant test against the Rangers lineup.

Texas Rangers: LHP Derek Holland (0-1, 2.40 ERA)

In three games against left-handed starters, the Cubs’ starting group has produced one run. Derek Holland is a southpaw. Will the off-day help the Cubs?

Chicago Cubs: RHP Carlos Villanueva (0-0, 0.64 ERA)

Skipping over Scott Feldman, Carlos Villanueva hopes to continue his hot start. Villanueva earned no-decisions after both of his performances were wasted with ninth-inning implosions.

Texas Rangers: RHP Justin Grimm (0-0, 4.50 ERA)

In his fourth MLB start, Justin Grimm tries to replace Matt Harrison, who went on the disabled earlier this season. Because of an off-day, there's a chance that the Rangers will avoid using him until Apr. 20.

Chicago Cubs: RHP Jeff Samardzija (1-2, 2.75 ERA)

Please don’t walk an American League pitcher.

Texas Rangers: Alexi Ogando (2-0, 1.08 ERA)

For his career against National League opponents, Alexi Ogando has a 4-2 record with a 2.33 ERA.

Summary

Apr. 16: Travis Wood vs. Derek Holland

Apr. 17: Carlos Villanueva vs. Justin Grimm

Apr. 18: Jeff Samardzija vs. Alexi Ogando

Joshua Huffman is a contributor for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your LinkedIn and Google networks.