This round of the City Series arrives as the July 31 trade deadline nears. The Cubs are in a position to buy while the White Sox will be looking to sell.

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

The Chicago Cubs need a third reliable starting pitcher, and the Kansas City Royals have the man for the job in last season's Cy Young runner-up, Seth Lugo.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux fires away a pitch during the first inning of a game at Wrigley Field on July 26, 2005, against the San Francisco Giants. Maddux recorded his 3,000th strikeout in the third inning. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)

The Royals won the series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field and knocked Chicago out of first place in the NL Central.

At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on tickets for any one game at the ballpark with the ivy and the best seventh inning stretch in the game was $19 including fees on Vivid Seats. Other contests at Wrigley have seats starting anywhere from $21 to $110 including fees.

A Chicago Cubs fan fell from the wall at Wrigley field while trying to catch a ball. He was fortunate to land in a net.

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.