Preview: Cubs Host Padres at Wrigley Field CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres open a three-game series Monday at Wrigley Field, with both teams jockeying for position in the National League playoff race. The Cubs (45-38) hold a 2 1/2-game lead over the second-place Padres (43-39) in the wild-card chase. Chicago took two of three from San Diego in their only previous meeting this season, April 27-29 at Petco Park. The Cubs won 5-4 on April 29, following an 8-3 victory April 28. Third baseman Manny Machado leads San Diego’s offense. Machado went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI in Sunday’s 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over his last 10 games, Machado is batting .294 with three home runs and eight RBIs. For the Cubs, right-hander Bryse Wilson has been effective out of the bullpen. Wilson threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings in Chicago’s 4-3, 10-inning win at Milwaukee on Sunday, allowing four hits and striking out four. Chicago enters on a three-game winning streak after taking two of three from the Brewers. The Padres have lost two straight, both to the Dodgers. A simulation by Interstat projects a 7-5 Cubs victory. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT. The series continues Tuesday and Wednesday before both teams travel for holiday weekend series. San Diego heads to Los Angeles for four games against the Dodgers starting Thursday. Chicago returns home to host St. Louis on Friday.