When it comes to ineptitude, the Rockies are bailed out by the A's and Royals. But that doesn't give Colorado a pass. The Rockies are heading for their first 100-loss season with a National League-worst 51-92 record.

The 78-67 Cubs are three games out of first place in the NL Central. They have motivation and the superior starting pitcher going in a matchup of Javier Assad versus Chris Flexen.

Assad has been a nice revelation for Chicago with a 2.83 ERA. He's been at his best, too, away from Wrigley Field where he's 3-0 with a 1.74 road ERA. The Rockies are going with a youth movement. They've scored four or fewer runs in 12 of their last 17 games.

Flexen must miss pitching in Seattle where he was protected by a more pitcher-friendly ballpark. He's been a disaster with the Rockies at 1-7 with a 7.36 ERA. Flexen has faced the Cubs four times in his career and has a 12.79 ERA to show for it.

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