The Chicago Cubs host the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field on Friday, May 22, 2026, to begin a three-game interleague series as both franchises attempt to break out of severe operational slumps.
The Cubs enter the weekend in second place in the National League Central after dropping eight of their last 10 games.
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The injury-depleted Astros arrive sitting 11 games under . 500.
Offensive Struggles Plague Both Teams
Chicago has struggled heavily on offense, batting . 182 and scoring three runs or fewer in nine games during their recent slide.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the team has been outscored 59-31 over this stretch.
The Cubs rotation has also faced issues, with only Shota Imanaga pitching past the fifth inning in the last two turns.
Houston faces similar struggles, posting a . 186 batting average and averaging 1.9 runs per game since May 8.
According to Bleed Cubbie Blue, the Astros have placed 22 players on the injured list this season.
Injuries include starting pitchers Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, and Lance McCullers Jr., as well as shortstop Carlos Correa, who is out for the season.
Pitching Matchup and Broadcast Details
Friday's pitching matchup features Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon, who holds a 2-3 record with a 4.97 ERA.
He faces Houston right-hander Spencer Arrighetti, who leads the Astros rotation with a 5-1 record and a 1.50 ERA.
The opening game will air exclusively on Apple TV as a streaming broadcast starting at 1:20 p.
