CHICAGO — The Mets will try to avoid a three-game sweep by the previously struggling Cubs here today when Nelson Figueroa takes the mound at Wrigley Field.

The well-traveled Figueroa is making his fourth start this season and his second start in place of Johan Santana after Santana was lost for the season earlier this week due to arthroscopic elbow surgery.

Figueroa pitched well in his most recent outing, giving up just one earned run in five innings of an eventual 2-1 loss in Florida, but is 0-4 with a 4.40 ERA in nine career appearances against the Cubs. Figueroa will face Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano, who has been a disappointment this season with a 7-5 record and 3.80 ERA.

Here is the 58-72 Mets’ order for the 2:20 p.m. game:

Angel Pagan CF

Luis Castillo 2B

Daniel Murphy 1B

Jeff Francoeur RF

Jeremy Reed LF

Fernando Tatis 3B

Brian Schneider C

Nelson Figueroa RHP (1-3, 5.40)

Figueroa’s numbers against the Cubs’ hitters