Looking Ahead

Cubs LHP Justin Steele (0- 0, 0.00 ERA) at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (0-1, 12.27) 6:40 p.m. Thursday, Coors Field

TV: ATTRM

Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM Freeland started the season opener at Coors Field and blanked the Dodgers for the first three innings, but then the wheels came off. He ended up allowing five runs on five hits over 3 2/3 innings in Colorado’s loss. In three regular-season starts vs. Chicago, Freeland is 1-2 with 16 strikeouts, five walks and one home run allowed. Steele made his first start of the season last Saturday vs. Milwaukee, earning the win while pitching five scoreless innings. The lefty has thrown a career-high 12 consecutive scoreless innings dating to his last start last season, on Sept. 30 at Pittsburgh. Steele’s only previous appearance vs. the Rockies was on Aug. 25 last season. He took a no- decision, giving up four runs on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts in the Cubs’

13-10 loss. He’s never pitched at Coors Field.

Trending: Colorado’s bullpen has been outstanding through the first five games of the season, posting a 0.81 ERA, the best in the majors.

At issue: Third baseman Ryan Mcmahon is off to a slow start. He’s hitting .214 (3-for-14) with no home runs and one RBI. Mcmahon sat out Tuesday’s game at Texas after getting hit by pitches twice on Monday.

Pitching probables

Friday: RHP Marcus Stroman (0- 0, 1.80) at Rockies RHP German Marquez (0- 0, 1.29), 6:40 p.m., ATTRM

Saturday: Cubs TBA at Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (0- 0, 2.70), 6:10 p.m., ATTRM Sunday: Cubs LHP Drew Smyly (1- 0, 0.00) at Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (0- 0, 5.79), 1:10 p.m., ATTRM