Chicago Cubs’ series finale against the Baltimore Orioles is postponed because of rain

BALTIMORE — Rainy weather washed out the Chicago Cubs’ series finale against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night at Camden Yards.

The postponed game was rescheduled for 2:05 p.m. CT on Aug. 18. That had been a day off for the Cubs after a three-game road series against the Washington Nationals. The change means the Cubs will play 20 games in 19 days between Aug. 13-31.

Right-hander Marcus Stroman, slated to start Wednesday, instead threw in the bullpen as rain fell.

The rainout means the Cubs have three days off in a four-day span. Given that they played 11 games in nine days before the road trip, including two extra-inning games, the pitching staff — particularly the bullpen — can benefit from a lessened workload this week.

When the Cubs open a three-game series against the Yankees on Friday in New York, the roster could look a little different.

Right fielder Seiya Suzuki is “in play” to rejoin the team this weekend, manager David Ross said Wednesday. Suzuki has missed 12 games while on the injured list because of a strained left ring finger. He took batting practice Wednesday.

“We’ll see how the finger feels when he hits and stuff, so I’ll hold judgment on that,” Ross said before Suzuki’s BP. “But I think it’s about status quo as (Tuesday). I don’t think it’s any better. I don’t think it’s any worse. But we’ll see how he comes away from batting practice today and judge after that because he’s got an off day (Thursday).”

Left-hander Wade Miley (left shoulder strain) is also “definitely an option” to come off the IL and start a game against the Yankees, Ross said. Miley felt fine after throwing Wednesday and was optimistic he would be back for the upcoming series. He is eligible to be activated Friday.