FREE on MLB.TV: Cards, Cubs renew rivalry

A pair of National League rivals will square off on Friday when the Cardinals and Cubs open their final series before the All-Star break -- and fans can tune in for free. The 2:20 p.m. ET showdown at Wrigley Field is the MLB.TV Free Game of the Day, plus it's also a Showcase Game on MLB Network.

Both clubs are trying to work their way back into the postseason picture following disappointing first halves, starting with this three-game series in Chicago. Even with the Cubs dealing with a couple of injuries, there is plenty of star power in this matchup, with recently named All-Star Nolan Arenado leading the way for St. Louis and Anthony Rizzo pacing Chicago.

Here's a closer look at Friday's matchup:

How they're doing

Cardinals: 43-45 (T-3rd in NL Central)
Cubs: 43-45 (T-3rd in NL Central)

The Cubs have lost 12 of their last 13 games, dropping them from a first-place tie in the NL Central to 9 1/2 games back of the Brewers. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are 13-23 since entering May 30 with a half-game lead in the Central.

The matchup on the mound

Cardinals: Wade LeBlanc (0-1, 4.24 ERA, 15 K)
Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (10-4, 3.83 ERA, 79 K)

LeBlanc will be making his third start since moving into the starting rotation. After being designated for assignment by the Orioles on April 25, LeBlanc later signed Minor League deals with the Brewers and Rangers, though he was released by both without making the big league club. He then signed with the Cards on June 17 and made four relief appearances before slotting into the rotation. He's allowed just one run over 10 innings in his two starts since, including tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings at Coors Field his last time out.

As for Hendricks, he's managed to get back on track following a rocky start to the season. After posting a 6.23 ERA in his first seven starts, Hendricks is 8-0 with a 2.53 ERA over his last 10 outings, including a pair of victories over the Cardinals. The right-hander allowed three runs (one earned) over 6 2/3 innings in a May 21 win at Busch Stadium, then held the Cards to two runs over six frames in a June 12 victory at Wrigley Field.

Player to watch
Nolan Arenado. There will be plenty of star power in this matchup -- particularly if Kris Bryant (right hamstring) and Javier Báez (right thumb) are able to return to the Cubs' starting lineup. Regardless, Arenado is always a good bet to put on a show, whether it be at the plate or in the field. The eight-time Gold Glove winner continues to play highlight-reel defense at the hot corner and he's already racked up 17 home runs en route to receiving his sixth career All-Star selection.

Don't forget him
Anthony Rizzo. Sure, Rizzo's offensive numbers remain down a bit from where they were a few years ago, but the three-time All-Star has been swinging the bat better after a slow start -- particularly at home. Rizzo is slashing .273/.375/.479 at home, compared to .224/.307/.395 on the road, giving him an OPS that is more than 150 points higher at home (.854) than it is on the road (.702).

Picture this
Here's a look at all of Nolan Arenado's home runs over the last two seasons. The right-handed-hitting Arenado has pulled all 25 homers to left field or left-center during that span.

Number of note
5-1. That's Chicago's record against St. Louis this season. The Cubs haven't won the season series against their archrival since 2017, when they went 14-5 against the Cards. Overall, Chicago has outscored St. Louis, 32-13, in the first six meetings this season.