Opposite dugout: Cubs head back to D.C. for makeup with Central lead down to a game

Manager: Joe Maddon (4th season)

Record: 84-61

Last 10 games: 5-5

Who to watch: 2B Javier Báez (.292 with 30 HR, 100 RBIs), 1B Anthony Rizzo (24 HR, 92 RBIs), 3B Kris Bryant (.277, 11 HR), RHP Pedro Strop (13 saves, 2.33 ERA)

Season series vs. Nationals: 3-3

Pitching probables:

Sept. 13: LHP Mike Montgomery (4-5) vs. RHP Joe Ross (0-0), 4:05 p.m., MASN2

Inside the Cubs:

Joe Maddon's club is not happy about losing a scheduled off-day to play a makeup game in D.C. this afternoon. This means that the Cubs will go 30 straight days without a break. The Cubs have had it with the weather in the nation's capital. Friday's game had two separate delays, leading to a doubleheader Saturday. The first leg of the twinbill was pushed back two hours, and the second half had a 90-minute delay. The game on Sunday was postponed due to more poor weather and as a result, we've got baseball today. The Brewers took two of three against the Cubs in Chicago earlier this week, shaving their lead in the National League Central to a game.

It will be interesting to see what lineup Joe Maddon draws up for today's game, as several players, including Kyle Schwarber (25 HR, 58 RBIs) remained in the Windy City and did not make the trip to D.C. First baseman Anthony Rizzo's 83 RBIs are fourth in the NL. With one more homer, he'll become just the ninth Cub in history with four or more 25-homer seasons.

Mike Montgomery will take this mound this afternoon in only his third start since Aug. 7. Today's contest will be his first against the Nationals in his career. The left-hander gave up two earned runs in his last start and hopes to halt the Nats' five-game win streak.

Closer Pedro Strop picked up his 13th save of the season in Tuesday's win over the Brewers.