Arizona @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 24, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 1, Arizona 5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are the defending National League West champs but come out of the All-Star break below .500 (42-43). The relative weakness of the West has the Diamondbacks only four games out of the lead, and a three-game winning streak prior to the break cooled some of the Justin Upton trade rumors that were floating around. The Chicago Cubs had no expectations but appear to be on the right path behind top prospect Anthony Rizzo.

Rizzo was recalled on June 26, with the Cubs sitting at 25-48 - the worst record in the majors. Behind Rizzo, Chicago has gone 8-4 to pull ahead of the Houston Astros and into fifth place in the Central. The 22-year-old is batting .354 with four home runs and nine RBIs. Upton went 7-for15 with four extra-base hits in the four-game series before the break, briefly quieting the booing that had begun to dog the young star at home. The Diamondbacks swept the Cubs at home from June 22-24, outscoring them 21-7.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSAZ (Arizona), CSN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Ian Kennedy (6-7, 4.26 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Paul Maholm (6-6, 4.57 ERA)

Kennedy’s struggles have been part of the problem for Arizona this season. The 27-year-old went 21-4 with a 2.88 ERA in 2011 but has been inconsistent in 2012. Kennedy has allowed at least four earned runs in three of his last five turns and will be pitching on eight days' rest after getting knocked around by San Diego. He was reached for five runs and 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against Chicago on June 23.

Maholm had two strong starts heading into the break, posting back-to-back wins while allowing a total of one earned run in 14 1/3 innings. Those two turns came after his start against Kennedy on June 23, when he was touched for seven runs - six earned - and nine hits in 3 1/3 innings to absorb a loss. Maholm is 0-3 with a 5.34 ERA in six career starts against Arizona.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs reached a deal with first-round draft pick Albert Almora on Wednesday, beating the Friday deadline. Second-rounder Duane Underwood remains unsigned.

2. Arizona general manager Kevin Towers has indicated a willingness to listen to trade offers on his entire roster, with the intention of making the playoffs this season.

3. Chicago right-hander Ryan Dempster will reportedly have scouts from several other teams watching his Saturday start as the trade deadline nears.