Cubs vs. Mets: Chicago pitcher Yu Darvish looks to extend historic streak Tuesday

The Chicago Cubs and New York Mets open a big three-game series at Citi Field on Tuesday night. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. ET. It's big because both teams are battling for playoff spots. Chicago still has a shot to win the NL Central but is currently second behind the Cardinals. The Cubs would be a Wild-Card team if the season ended Tuesday (hint: it doesn't). The Mets are two games behind the Cubs for that final Wild-Card spot, so it's possible this could be a preview of that Wild-Card game.

Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish (4-6, 4.43) really struggled early this season, specifically with his command. At one point, he was 2-4 with a 5.01 ERA. However, he has been a new guy since the All-Star break and has accomplished something no pitcher in MLB history ever has: Five straight outings with at least eight strikeouts and zero walks. Hard to believe no one has done that before. The Cubs are just 2-3 in those five, though.

Darvish took a no-decision against the Mets on June 21 at Wrigley Field, allowing four runs over six innings with two walks. Michael Conforto and Jeff McNeil both homered off him. Darvish actually has been much better on the road in 2019 with a 3.75 ERA compared to 5.14 at home. The Cubs opened as slight favorites on the MLB odds.

The Mets counter with trade acquisition Marcus Stroman (7-11, 3.18). In four starts since arriving from the Blue Jays, Stroman is 1-0 with a 4.58 ERA. He left his last outing after four innings due to hamstring tightness but is apparently good to go Tuesday. Not clear if he will have to deal with Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. He left Saturday's game with back tightness and got Sunday off. Cubs manager Joe Maddon said the team isn't too "concerned" with it. Rizzo is having another fine season, batting .290 with 25 homers and 82 RBIs.