The Houston Astros have been playing like the Houston Colts .45s. Hard to believe, but the Astros are 7-16. Houston is down from its recent past dominant seasons, but they haven't regressed this much!

What the Astros needed was a day off to regroup and get focused again. They got that on Monday being idle. That means a rested bullpen and a rested Josh Hader.

This is good news for starter J.P. France, who held the Braves to two runs on four hits in five innings this past Wednesday in his last start. The Braves are the top offensive team in baseball.

The Cubs are going with Jordan Wicks, who is 0-2 with a 5.29 ERA. Wicks has yet to complete five innings during any of his first four starts this year. The Cubs have been vulnerable at closer with Adbert Alzolay blowing four of his first seven save opportunities.

Chicago has been without outfielder Ian Happ the past two games due to a hamstring injury. He's second on the Cubs in runs scored. He's questionable.

Bottom line is I like the pitching matchup for the Astros - both starter and bullpen - and they are due to start turning things around. The price is right to back them.