Chicago @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 20, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 5, Milwaukee 9

Left-hander Chris Rusin will make his major league debut when the Chicago Cubs visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday in the second of their three-game series. The Cubs, who need an extra starter after Saturday's doubleheader in Cincinnati, will call up Rusin from Triple-A Iowa, where he was 1-1 with a 1.85 ERA in his last four starts. Rusin will try to help reverse a trend which has seen the Cubs lose 13 of their last 16 games at Miller Park since the start of the 2011 season. Chicago has lost everywhere lately, though, dropping 16 of its last 20 overall to fall 30 games under .500.

The Brewers, who have won nine of their last 11 games, counter with right-hander Marco Estrada, who is winless in 21 appearances - 15 starts - this season. Reigning National League MVP Ryan Braun is swinging a hot bat for Milwaukee. He is 9-for-20 with four homers and six RBIs in his last five games and leads the National League with 33 homers. Jonathan Lucroy is, too. He hit two homers Monday, including a three-run blast in Milwaukee's eight-run fifth inning which led to a 9-5 victory.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CS Chicago Plus, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Chris Rusin (NR) vs. Brewers RH Marco Estrada (0-5, 4.52)

All five of Estrada's losses have come as a starter. He has received no-decisions in his last two starts, allowing eight runs and 15 hits in nine innings against Philadelphia on Thursday and at Houston on Aug. 11. Estrada's last loss - 3-0 at St. Louis on Aug. 5 - was his best start of the season. He allowed one run and scattered seven hits in six innings. Estrada has one start against the Cubs, allowing two runs in six innings and receiving a no-decision in an 8-2 loss on May 13.

Rusin, 25, was a non-roster player with the Cubs in spring training. He is 8-8 with a 4.59 ERA in 24 starts with Iowa. Rusin, 25, a former University of Kentucky standout who was drafted in 2009 by the Cubs in the fourth round, allowed 142 hits, walked 52 and struck out 87 in 133 1/3 innings with Iowa. Cubs manager Dale Sveum said he didn't have any plans for Rusin following Tuesday.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs have reportedly signed SS Starlin Castro to a seven-year, $60 million extension, locking up their 22-year-old cornerstone infielder through 2020 if a $16 million option is picked up for that season.

2. Milwaukee starters Aramis Ramirez, Corey Hart and Norichika Aoki were all given Sunday off. They were a combined 5-for-12 with three RBIs and two runs scored Monday.

3. Chicago 3B Josh Vitters hit his first major league home run Monday. He is 4-for-37 (.108) since he was called up Aug. 5.