Chicago @ Colorado preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 26, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 0, Colorado 6

The Chicago Cubs look to snap a 15-game winless streak on the road against National League West teams when they conclude a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies, who have won three straight. The Cubs have dropped eight of their last nine games and need to win four of their final seven contests to avoid 100 losses. Colorado has outscored Chicago 16-5 in the first two games of the series and needs to win three of its final seven games to avoid hitting the 100-loss mark. Both teams are evaluating players with an eye toward next year, with the Rockies taking a long look at infielder DJ LeMahieu, who could challenge Josh Rutledge for playing time at second base.

LeMahieu is batting .325 (53-for-163) with 11 doubles over his last 49 starts, while Rutledge’s 122 total bases since the All-Star break leads all NL rookies. Whoever wins the job will likely be playing next to Todd Helton in 2013. The veteran first baseman had season-ending hip surgery in August, but he plans on returning next season. Like the Rockies, the Cubs will enter next season with a number of question marks. At third base, the Cubs could decide between Ian Stewart and Luis Valbuena or sign a free agent. Stewart hit just .201 in 55 games before having surgery on his left wrist in June, while Valbuena is batting just .221 in 244 at-bats. Rookie Josh Vitters doesn’t figure to be in the mix after failing to impress this month.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Chris Volstad (3-10, 6.22 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jhoulys Chacin (2-5, 4.73)

Volstad responded from a rocky outing to allow three runs over five innings last Friday against St. Louis. The Cubs have given him ample opportunities to secure a spot in next year’s rotation, but he’s been remarkably inconsistent. Volstad is 3-3 with a 4.34 in six career games (five starts) against the Rockies, including an outing on Aug. 26 when he tossed 6 2/3 scoreless frames.

Chacin has allowed one run or less in five of his seven starts since returning from the disabled list, but he gave up three runs in four innings last Saturday against Arizona. He’s earned a no-decision in each of his last three starts with a 5.54 ERA over that span. Chacin has a 6.52 ERA in four starts at Coors Field this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rockies have won or split every series against the Cubs at Coors Field since the 2005 season.

2. Cubs 2B Darwin Barney’s errorless streak stands at 140 games, one shy of the major league record for second basemen set by Placido Polanco of the Detroit Tigers in 2007.

3. Colorado has reached double-digits in hits in seven straight games.