Chicago Cubs Probable Pitchers: at Milwaukee Brewers, Apr. 19-21

Jeff Samardzija Among Probable Pitchers for Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers

How bad have things gotten for the Chicago Cubs? Nearly one week ago, the Cubs signed Kevin Gregg to a minor league contract. Within days, Gregg was promoted to the MLB roster.

After a 10-game homestand that ended with a 3-5 record and two rainouts, the Cubs find themselves with a 5-9 record and stuck in the National League Central basement. They’ll begin a 10-game road trip that includes seven games against divisional opponents. It ends with a three-game series against MLB’s worst team, the Miami Marlins (3-13).

Probable pitchers for this upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers include Jeff Samardzija, Edwin Jackson and Scott Feldman. The Brewers will host this series from Apr. 19-21. The Cubs will put their hopes in the arms of their two starters who’ve gotten off to slow starts. Feldman missed his last start because of back tightness.

For the Brewers, no left-handed starting pitchers are scheduled to take the mound. That means more at-bats for David DeJesus and Nate Schierholtz. Hiram Burgos, the Milwaukee Brewers’ reigning minor league pitcher of the year, will make his MLB debut on Apr. 20.

It’s a decent opportunity for the Cubs offense to score some runs. Through 14 games, they scored 50 runs. Only the Marlins (33) and Los Angeles Dodgers (41) have scored fewer runs.

The following slideshow is a brief summary of each probable pitcher and matchup for the Cubs vs. Brewers series. Can the Cubs get back into the thick of his NL Central race? Continue with slideshow.

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

With 27 strikeouts in 19.2 innings, Samardzija’s poor record has been more from a lackluster offense during games when he pitches.

Milwaukee Brewers: RHP Marco Estrada (0-1, 4.50 ERA)

When these teams met on Apr. 8, Estrada out-pitched Edwin Jackson. In seven innings, Estrada allowed two earned runs on five hits and one walk en route to a 7-4 Brewers win.

Chicago Cubs: RHP Edwin Jackson (0-2, 6.06 ERA)

After three starts, Jackson has yet to put together a quality start. On Apr. 8, Jackson allowed four runs in the first inning against the Brewers.

Milwaukee Brewers: RHP Hiram Burgos (MLB DEBUT)

Burgos will make his MLB debut.

Chicago Cubs: RHP Scott Feldman (0-2, 6.00 ERA)

Feldman hasn’t pitched since Apr. 11. Feldman didn’t make it out of the fifth inning in either of his first two starts.

Milwaukee Brewers: RHP Wily Peralta (0-1, 6.19 ERA)

On Apr. 9, Peralta earned a no-decision in a 6-3 loss to the Cubs. In 6.2 innings, Peralta allowed two earned runs on six hits and two walks.

Summary

Apr. 19: Jeff Samardzija vs. Marco Estrada

Apr. 20:Edwin Jackson vs. Hiram Burgos

Apr. 21: Scott Feldman vs. Wily Peralta

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.