The Cubs come to Philly with the best record in the National League, led by MVP candidate Javy Baez who is hitting .294 with 28 homers and 97 RBI.
Nick Pivetta will start the series opener for the Phils, looking to bounce back from a pair of lackluster starts where he's surrendered 11 runs over 10 1/3 innings. The Cubs counter with veteran Jose Quintana who is 11-9 with a 4.33 ERA.
The Phillies have won only one of their last ten series and sit behind four teams in the wildcard race. With the schedule winding down the club needs to piece a streak together to remain relevant as the calendar flips to September.
Heading to Arizona
Sixto Sanchez will represent the Phillies in several weeks when the Arizona Fall League opens play in early October. Sanchez, the Phillies No. 1 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, missed most of this season with elbow soreness. He made eight starts with Clearwater and pitched to a 2.51 ERA over 46 2/3 innings this season.
Joining Sanchez will be pitchers Luke Leftwich, Seth McGarry, and Tyler Viza, shortstop Arquimedes Gamboa, first baseman Darick Hall, third baseman Luke Williams, and outfielder Austin Listi.
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