The Chicago Cubs enter Friday night’s series opener against the Texas Rangers riding an impressive nine-game winning streak, having won 19 of their last 22 contests. In contrast, the Rangers have dropped seven of their past 10 games, managing only 27 runs during that stretch.
The Cubs begin a nine-game road trip in Arlington, Texas, looking to sustain their red-hot form. Michael Conforto played a key role in Thursday’s 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds, going 3-for-3 with a home run and a bases-loaded walk that fueled a seven-run fourth inning. That victory extended Chicago’s home winning streak to 15 games.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Conforto, who started in place of the resting Seiya Suzuki. “He had a big day,” Counsell said. “The at-bats that he’s provided in limited playing time, it’s just really impressive. … Player of the game offensively, nice piece to have on your team.”
Conforto also delivered a walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning on Monday to beat the Reds 5-4. Meanwhile, Ian Happ extended his on-base streak to 28 games after going 0-for-3 with a walk on Thursday.
Chicago’s starting rotation received a blow when Opening Day starter Matthew Boyd underwent surgery on the meniscus in his left knee Thursday morning, expected to sideline him for about six weeks. As a result, manager Craig Counsell opted to give right-hander Ben Brown (1-1, 2.10 ERA) his first start of the season on Friday. Brown has posted one save, 24 strikeouts, and eight walks across 25 2/3 innings in 12 relief appearances this year.
“That’s really been my goal with Ben, period, is to keep him in bigger outings,” Counsell told MLB.com. “Just because I think he’s capable of carrying that innings load, and it’s a good contrast to the other guys we have in the bullpen. We’re just trying to think about the innings puzzle moving forward here.”
Brown struggled in his only prior appearance against Texas in 2024, allowing six runs over 1 2/3 innings.
The Rangers will counter with right-hander Kumar Rocker (1-3, 4.71 ERA). Rocker lost his second straight start on Saturday, surrendering five runs on seven hits over two innings in a 5-1 defeat to the Detroit Tigers, exiting after a season-low 43 pitches. He has never faced the Cubs in his career.
Ezequiel Duran homered and drove in both runs for Texas in Thursday’s 9-2 loss to the New York Yankees. Duran is 7-for-17 with five RBIs and four runs during his season-high five-game hitting streak. “I’m just trying to keep it simple,” Duran said. “Use the big part of the field.”
Brandon Nimmo has recorded a hit in seven of his last eight games after going 2-for-5 in the series finale at New York.
