Opposite dugout: Defending champion Cubs still out of sorts

Manager: Joe Maddon (3rd season)

Record: 38-37

Last 10 games: 6-4

Who to watch: 3B Kris Bryant (.263 with 16 HR, 31 RBIs); 1B Anthony Rizzo (.261 with 17 HR, 48 RBIs); SS Addison Russell (.232 with 53 hits); RHP Jake Arrieta (7-5, 4.36 ERA); LHP Jon Lester (5-4, 3.83 ERA)

Season series vs. Nationals: 1st meeting (5-2 in 2016)

Pitching probables:

Monday, June 26: RHP Eddie Butler vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m., MASN
Tuesday, June 27: RHP Jake Arrieta vs. RHP Max Scherzer, 7:05 p.m., MASN
Wednesday, June 28: RHP John Lackey vs. RHP Stephen Strasburg, 7:05 p.m., MASN
Thursday, June 29: LHP Jon Lester vs. RHP Joe Ross, 4:05 p.m., MASN

Inside the Cubs:

It's hard to say exactly how far into a season a team should begin to worry about more than just a sluggish start. The defending world champion Cubs would probably rather not have to think about when that time is, but for now, they appear to be stuck in neutral. Never more than four games over .500 yet never more than two games under, the Cubs are still trying to figure things out. Maybe it's a championship hangover, maybe it's more than that. But even in a lackluster National League Central, the Cubs can't wait too much longer to get their act together.

The biggest reason for the inconsistency stems from an offense that ranks 14th in the NL with a .240 average, one year after finishing in the top half of the senior circuit and also earning the top on-base percentage. Reigning NL MVP Kris Bryant is having another banner year, leading the Cubs with a .263 average and a .396 OBP. On the opposite corner, teammate Anthony Rizzo provides the power for the North Siders, clubbing a team-leading 17 home runs and 48 RBIs. Where Chicago has fallen short in the lineup has been left fielder Kyle Schwarber. The fan favorite power hitter has managed just a .171 average, and things have gotten so discouraging that the Cubs sent Schwarber down to Triple-A last week in hopes of getting him back on track. Utility outfielder Jon Jay has been a good replacement when called upon, hitting .318 in 152 plate appearances.

After struggling for three years in Colorado, tonight's starter, righty Eddie Butler, has had decent success in Chicago. He's just 3-2 on the season but has allowed two earned runs or fewer in five of his eight starts. Right-hander Jake Arrieta, who starts Tuesday, has made eight career starts against the Nationals and received mixed results, pitching to the tune of a 4.93 ERA. And following a rough April, the former Cy Young Award winner has righted the ship and will aim for his eighth win of the season opposite Nationals ace Max Scherzer, who took a no-hitter late into his last start against the Marlins. It's been a rough stretch for Wednesday's starter, righty John Lackey, who is just 1-5 over his last six decisions. He's undefeated in six starts against the Nationals, though, and has registered quality starts in two straight outings. Left-hander Jon Lester gets the nod in Thursday's series finale. He suffered just five losses in all of 2016, but has four already this season. He's been plagued with inconsistency, but has won his last two decisions, both on the road.

Right-hander Wade Davis came over from the Royals in an offseason trade and has filled in nicely as the Cubs closer. He's notched 15 saves and pitched to a 1.37 ERA. When Davis isn't closing, the Cubs bullpen boasts righties Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon, along with left-hander Brian Duensing.