As the Cubs prepare for Game 1 of the Crosstown Classic Friday against the White Sox at Rate Field, two pitchers are working to rejoin the club. Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon threw 47 pitches during a bullpen session Friday at Wrigley Field,

The Cubs lineup had a bit of a different look Friday, going up against White Sox right-hander Adrian Houser, who is in the midst of the best season of his career. Switch-hitting Vidal Bruján got the start at third base over Matt Shaw, and left-handed hitting Reese McGuire started behind the plate.

Earlier this year, the Cubs were red-hot and the Sox were anything but in the Crosstown Classic at Wrigley. The two renew that rivalry this weekend at Rate Field.

Amaya is a gem, but the Cubs are loaded at catcher, with the reliable Carson Kelly locked in as the go-to starter and Reese McGuire as a solid backup. And lest we forget, 21-year-old phenom Moises Ballesteros is waiting in the wings.

If the Chicago Cubs make the postseason, adding another quality starter who can slot into a playoff series would make them a serious World Series threat.

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The Chicago Cubs trade deadline blueprint to boost their rotation includes Cleveland Guardians' former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber.

Cubs Could Add Pete Crow-Armstrong Insurance, Per Chicago Insider originally appeared on Athlon Sports. If past indications have shown anything, the Chicago Cubs could look to make a few depth moves during the trade deadline.