AP Sports Preview

CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Colorado Rockies visit the Chicago Cubs on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 7:05 p.m. CDT at Wrigley Field in the opener of a three-game series.

The Cubs (37-35) enter the game in third place in the National League Central, while the Rockies (27-45) are last in the NL West, 18 games under .500.

Colorado will start right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-8, 5.67 ERA). Lorenzen has lost his past five decisions and has not earned a win since May 18.

The Cubs will counter with left-hander Ryan Rolison (3-2, 3.12 ERA), who has been effective in relief but is making his first start of the season. Rolison has not allowed a run in his past five appearances, covering 5 1/3 innings.

Players to watch

Rockies infielder Willi Castro enters on a tear. In Sunday’s 23-9 win at Oakland, Castro went 4-for-6 with two home runs and seven RBIs. Over his past 10 games, Castro is batting .333 with three home runs and 12 RBIs.

Cubs left-hander Ryan Rolison has been scoreless in 9 1/3 innings over his past six appearances. He has allowed five hits while striking out seven.

Series history

The teams split a three-game series at Colorado last week. The Cubs won Thursday 9-3, the Rockies won Wednesday 3-2, and Colorado won Tuesday 7-3.

The Rockies are coming off a 23-9 rout of the Athletics on Sunday. Hunter Goodman went 5-for-6 with two home runs and four RBIs, and Troy Johnston added a home run and four RBIs.

The Cubs lost 5-1 at San Francisco on Sunday. Rolison pitched 1 1/3 hitless innings.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 Cubs victory.

Looking ahead

The teams play again Tuesday and Wednesday at Wrigley Field. The Rockies open a six-game homestand Friday against Pittsburgh. The Cubs host Toronto for three games beginning Friday.