Overview

• The Astros have won 12 of their last 15 games and hold a 30-13 record at home this season.
• Houston starter Hunter Brown delivered seven shutout innings Thursday to power a 2–1 win that completed a three-game sweep of Philadelphia.
• Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga allowed one hit across five innings in his return from the injured list during Chicago’s 3–0 victory over St. Louis on Thursday.
• Rookie Cade Horton (3–1, 3.73 ERA) is slated to start for the Cubs against Brandon Walter (0–1, 3.80 ERA) in Friday’s opener.
• Chicago contends with multiple key players on the injured list, including Miguel Amaya and Justin Steele, as they manage their roster through the three-game set.