Chicago @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 6, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 8, NY Mets 7

Forgive Cubs’ fans if they’re positively giddy about 1B Anthony Rizzo these days. All he’s done since arriving from Triple-A Iowa 10 games ago is breathe new life into another disappointing season. Rizzo belted a three-run homer in the Cubs’ 8-7 win over the Mets on Friday, and he’s reached base safely in each of his first 10 games since his promotion. Rizzo, acquired from San Diego during the offseason, went 4-for-5 to extend his hitting streak to seven games. The victory moved the Cubs out of last place in the NL Central for the first time since April 14.

The Mets made things interesting in the ninth inning Friday against Carlos Marmol before falling just short when Lucas Duda hit into a game-ending double play. Starting pitcher Johan Santana gave up a career-high tying 13 hits and also twisted his ankle during the game, but he doesn’t expect to miss any time. New York is 4 1/5 games behind Washington in the NL East, and the team figures to target relief pitchers as the trade deadline approaches. Minor league relievers Josh Edgin, Jenrry Mejia and Elvin Ramirez could also be promoted as the Mets look to improve their bullpen for the second half.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (6-7, 4.77 ERA) vs. Mets RH Dillon Gee (5-7, 4.34)

Samardzija snapped a four-game losing streak in his last start, giving up one run over seven innings against the Braves. He’s allowed three or fewer runs in 10 of his last 13 outings, but he has just one win since May 29. He’s 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in seven career games (one start) against the Mets. Samardzija took the loss against New York on June 27, allowing nine runs over 4 1/3 innings.

Gee has recorded a quality start in seven of his last outings, including last Sunday when he allowed four runs over six innings against the Dodgers. He’s 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs, who tagged him for four runs over five frames on June 26. Gee is 9-9 with a 3.57 ERA in 27 career games (25 starts) at Citi Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets OF Jason Bay (concussion) could begin a minor league rehab assignment Sunday with High-A St. Lucie.

2. The Cubs’ Ryan Dempster (lat) will be activated from the disabled list to start in Sunday’s series finale.

3. Chicago SS Starlin Castro was out of the starting lineup on Friday for the first time this season, but he grounded out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.