The Chicago Cubs host the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field on Monday, July 20, with first pitch set for 8:05 PM ET. Jameson Taillon gets the ball for Chicago, squaring off against right-hander Jack Flaherty in what shapes up as a solid pitching matchup between two experienced starters. The Cubs send out a deep lineup featuring Alex Bregman, Seiya Suzuki, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, while Detroit counters with a balanced order that includes Gleyber Torres and Riley Greene. Marquee Sports Network carries the game locally; 104.3 The Score has the radio call.

Starting Pitchers: Taillon vs. Flaherty

Jameson Taillon gets the nod for the Cubs. A veteran right-hander with a proven track record of pitching to contact and limiting walks, Taillon thrives when he commands his sinker down in the zone and keeps the ball off the barrel. Against a Tigers lineup that is capable of stringing together hits, Taillon will need to work efficiently through the middle of Detroit's order — particularly Torres at the two-hole and Greene cleaning up in the four spot.

Jack Flaherty takes the hill for Detroit. A former Cardinals ace who has bounced between clubs in recent seasons, Flaherty brings a lively fastball and a sharp slider that can miss bats when he is dialed in. The Cubs will look to work counts against him early and exploit any command issues before he settles into a rhythm.

Cubs Lineup Keys to Watch

• Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF, leadoff): PCA's speed and on-base ability at the top of the order sets the table for everything Chicago wants to do offensively. If he gets on base, the Cubs have options.
• Alex Bregman (DH, cleanup): Bregman slotted in at four is a significant statement about his role in this lineup. His plate discipline and ability to drive in runners from scoring position will be central to the Cubs' offensive output.
• Nico Hoerner (2B, sixth): Hoerner's contact-first approach in the six-hole keeps the lineup from stalling out. He is the kind of hitter who makes Flaherty work for outs.
• Miguel Amaya (C, ninth): A strong game-calling performance from Amaya to support Taillon is just as important as anything he does at the plate.

Tigers Lineup Keys to Watch

• Riley Greene (LF, cleanup): Greene is Detroit's most dangerous bat and the hitter Taillon must be most careful with. A mistake in the middle innings with runners on could change the complexion of the game quickly.
• Gleyber Torres (2B, second): Torres brings veteran experience and gap power to the two-spot. He can take a quality at-bat and make a pitcher pay for hanging a breaking ball.
• Colt Keith (3B, third): Keith has shown steady improvement and slots into the heart of a lineup that can do real damage if the top of the order gets rolling.

Prediction

This game comes down to which starter controls the zone longer. Taillon at Wrigley Field, backed by a lineup with genuine depth from top to bottom, gives the Cubs a real advantage here. Detroit is not without weapons, and Flaherty is capable of shutting a lineup down on any given night — but Chicago's offense has too many ways to hurt you. Look for the Cubs to get to Flaherty in the middle innings and give Taillon enough of a cushion to work with. Cubs win, 4-2.