Were it not for the Dodgers (8-0) looking every bit as good as advertised, the undefeated Padres (7-0) could lay claim to being the hottest team in baseball. They’re on quite a roll after sweeping a four-game set against the Braves and taking three from the Guardians in San Diego. The conditions won’t be quite as idyllic in Chicago, with temps in the mid-40s and a strong chance of rain on Friday.
While that’s totally normal for a Cubs home opener, the Friday start means there’s no built-in off day in case of inclement weather. That’s probably a Craig Counsell decision, as we know how much he hates rainouts.