White Sox manager Will Venable returns to face his previous team on Friday, while the Cubs have a 10-day homestand that kicks off Thursday.

The Chicago Cubs will firmly be buyers at the MLB trade deadline as they hold a commanding lead on the National League Central with a 40-26 record. Teams that are separating as contenders are starting to look at the trade market for those final pieces.

BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs host the Pittsburgh Pirates to open a four-game series. Chicago has a 20-11 record in home games and a 41-27 record overall. The Cubs have gone 36-10 in games when they record at least eight hits.

The Philadelphia Phillies tagged Ben Brown for three runs in the first inning on the way to a 7-2 win Wednesday to take the series over the Chicago Cubs.

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

With a season ERA well above league average, Chicago Cubs right-hander Ben Brown could soon be on the outside looking into Chicago's starting rotation.

The Cubs have stayed strong despite injuries to some of their key players, but that may be in the rearview with the trade deadline coming up.

The Chicago Cubs are leading the National League Central, but their starting rotation could use some help as they look to make a deep postseason run.