The Chicago Cubs are navigating a challenging period as they prepare for the National League wild-card series, set to begin in five days. While the team has secured a spot in the playoffs, their recent performance has not been up to the expectations that come with postseason aspirations. Cubs President Jed Hoyer expressed a mix of relief and concern over clinching a playoff berth while noting the team’s recent struggles.
The Cubs, after losing six of their last seven games, are still fighting for home-field advantage in the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres, a situation that seemed more definitive just a week ago. In an inspiring turn, the Cubs achieved a decisive 12-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, marking their 90th win of the season. Key players Nico Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Michael Busch contributed significantly to the scores, with Seiya Suzuki adding a grand slam to seal the victory.
Crow-Armstrong’s impressive performance was highlighted by his 30th home run, placing him alongside legendary Cub Sammy Sosa in the 30-30 club. Additionally, Suzuki reached a milestone as the third Japanese player to hit 30 home runs in a season, joining the ranks of Hideki Matsui and Shohei Ohtani.
As the Cubs prepare for the playoffs, the return of right fielder Kyle Tucker adds a boost, although his recent injury recovery allows him only a short window to regain his peak form. Tucker’s inclusion, along with a strategic decision on Carlos Santana, reflects the Cubs’ tactical adjustments as they head into the postseason.
Despite a strong outing by pitcher Colin Rea, who earned 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball, the focus remains on the potential starters for the wild-card series. The status and preparedness of the Cubs’ key pitchers, including Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, and Shota Imanaga, are crucial. Horton’s rib injury and Imanaga’s recent performance issues add uncertainty to the Cubs’ playoff strategy.
Rea’s performance on the mound contributes to optimism, but the Cubs are keeping their rotational decisions under wraps until the start of the series. The approach reflects a careful consideration by Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell, who remain cautiously optimistic about the postseason despite recent challenges.
Although there is some concern over Imanaga’s form, Hoyer expressed confidence in adjusting their pitching strategy moving forward. The focus on securing home-field advantage remains a priority for both the players and the fans, reinforcing the Cubs’ commitment to delivering a rewarding postseason experience at Wrigley Field.