The Chicago Cubs are back in the postseason, marking their first appearance since 2020, and they have the advantage of hosting the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres. This was secured following a commanding 7-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
As the Cubs (91-70) prepare to play at Wrigley Field, a location that has not seen a full-capacity postseason game since 2018, they face a challenging situation with Cade Horton. The pitcher was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a fractured right rib, casting uncertainty over his participation in the playoffs. Despite this setback, pitcher Jameson Taillon, who played a crucial role in the victory by striking out eight and allowing only one run over six innings, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome adversity.
Elsewhere in the league, the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Mets are in a tight race for the NL’s final wild-card spot, each holding an 83-78 record. Cincinnati, after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 7-4, holds the tiebreaker advantage over the Mets. A win against the Brewers on Sunday or a Mets loss to the Miami Marlins would cement the Reds’ place in the playoffs.
For the Reds, the opportunity rests on the outcome of their performance against a formidable Brewers team, with Freddy Peralta and Brady Singer set to face off on the mound. The situation is similarly intense for the Mets, who are relying on a well-prepared pitching staff to guide them into the postseason.
The closing stages of the regular season promise high drama as teams vie for a postseason berth, with intricate head-to-head matchups and strategic plays determining who moves forward. The Cubs, having secured their place, now focus on their potential to make a significant impact as they return to the October baseball experience at Wrigley Field. This postseason promises renewed energy and excitement, with fans eager to witness what the Cubs and other contenders will bring to the table.