Chicago @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 24, 2011 ) Houston 4, Chi. Cubs 5

THE STORY: Carlos Zambrano may be stealing the headlines, but the Chicago Cubs are actually playing well heading into Monday’s game in Houston. The Cubs have won four series in a row for the first time since 2008, and they’re 10-3 in August. While the Cubs are rolling, the Astros have sputtered to a complete halt. Houston has lost six straight games and 18 of its last 23.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, CSN, FS Houston

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Rodrigo Lopez (3-3, 4.78 ERA) at Astros RH Henry Sosa (0-1, 6.00 ERA)

Lopez gave up two runs – one earned – over 5 2/3 innings last Wednesday against the Nationals. He is 1-2 with a 5.34 ERA in six career games – five starts – against the Astros. Sosa took the loss in his major league debut last Wednesday against Arizona, giving up four runs in six innings. He allowed three first-inning runs before settling down in his final five innings. Sosa was acquired from the Giants for Jeff Keppinger on July 19.

ABOUT THE CUBS (53-68): The Zambrano saga continues Monday when the players association is expected to file a grievance challenging his placement on the disqualified list. Zambrano reportedly cleaned out his locker and said he was thinking about retiring after Friday’s start, but his agent has disputed aspects of the story. With the Cubs placing him on the disqualified list, Zambrano can’t be paid and cannot have any contact with the team for 30 days. Casey Coleman will be recalled from Triple-A Iowa to start for Zambrano on Wednesday. Coleman has struggled during his time in the majors this season, but he has a 3.65 ERA in 12 starts for Iowa. After failing to hit for much power early in the season, first baseman Carlos Pena hit his 23rd home run on Sunday. He’s still batting just .221, but at least he’s providing a much-needed power source. Pena is signed to a one-year deal, but the Cubs will likely attempt to re-sign him during the offseason.

ABOUT THE ASTROS (38-83): After trading Michael Bourn last month, the Astros suddenly have a giant hole in center field. The team is hoping Jordan Schafer is the long-term answer. Schafer, who was acquired from the Braves at the trade deadline, landed on the disabled list July 26 with a broken finger. He took batting practice Sunday and could begin a rehab assignment on Wednesday. When he joins the Astros, he’s expected to see regular playing time in center field and bat leadoff. J.B. Shuck and Jason Bourgeois would likely see their playing time cut as a result. Schafer was batting .240 with 15 steals in 52 games with the Braves at the time of the trade, and it’ll be interesting to see if he’ll get on base enough to be the Astros’ leadoff hitter heading into next season. Even in a rebuilding year, the Astros have to be concerned about starting pitcher Jordan Lyles, who has given up seven earned runs in back-to-back outings.

FINAL PITCH: The Cubs are 9-2 in their last 11 games against a right-handed starter.