The Chicago Cubs got a series win against the Kansas City Royals over the weekend but still lost a game in the NL Central standings to the Milwaukee Brewers. This week they head on a seven-game road trip with the first stop being in Detroit to play the Tigers. This is another series the Cubs need to win so they can gain some ground on the Brewers before Milwaukee comes to Wrigley Field for a three-game series at the end of the month. It will not be easy because the Tigers have been playing much better of late.

Detroit has benefited from a group of young hitters that have been on fire this month. First baseman Spencer Torkelson leads the charge for the Tigers. Torkelson has 22 home runs on the season. Seven of those 22 have come in the last 11 games. They also have 22-year-old Riley Greene who is hitting .303 and 25-year-old Kerry Carpenter who has 18 home runs and an .868 OPS on the year. Cubs’ pitchers will need to keep those guys at bay in order to win the series.

For the Cubs’ offense, Seiya Suzuki needs to continue the progress he has made over the last nine games where he is hitting .344 with 3 home runs and six RBIs. Suzuki is key to this Cubs offense maximizing its potential.

Probable pitchers:

Monday, August 21st: 5:40 PM at Comerica Park

Javier Assad (2-2 3.11 ERA) vs. Alex Faedo (2-4 5.16 ERA)

Tuesday, August 22nd: 5:40 PM at Comerica Park

Drew Smyly (9-8 4.92 ERA) vs. Reese Olson (2-5 4.83)

Wednesday, August 23rd: 12:10 PM at Comerica Park

Jameson Taillon (7-8 5.56 ERA) vs. Tarik Skubal (3-2 3.76 ERA)

NL Central Standings:

Milwaukee Brewers 68-57

Chicago Cubs 64-59

Cincinnati Reds 64-61

Pittsburgh Pirates 55-69

St. Louis Cardinals 55-70