The Chicago Cubs hold a 44-38 record and currently sit 7.5 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central. Over the last 24 hours, the team saw its four-game winning streak snapped in a 6-2 road loss to Milwaukee.
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MLB Game Recap
Milwaukee defeated Chicago 6-2. Jacob Misiorowski had a historic performance. He struck out eight and threw a pitch clocked at 105.5 mph. Chicago Cubs starter Colin Rea pitched 5.0 innings of one-run ball. However, the bullpen gave up five runs over the final three frames. These included two-run homers by Garrett Mitchell and William Contreras. The loss marked the end of Chicago’s recent momentum as the Brewers extended their winning streak to five games.
Standout Performer
Seiya Suzuki was the offensive catalyst for Chicago, accounting for both runs in the 6-2 defeat. He finished 1-for-2 with a solo home run, a sacrifice fly, and two RBIs while also drawing a walk. Suzuki’s 409-foot blast in the fifth inning was the Chicago Cubs’ first hit. It gave them a temporary lead before Milwaukee’s late-inning surge.
Key News & Notes
The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander Phil Maton on the 15-day injured list with right knee tendinitis. The club activated Matthew Boyd to start today. They also finalized a trade for Mets left-hander David Peterson in exchange for minor leaguer Cole Mathis. Additional moves included designating Eduarniel Núñez for assignment and selecting the contract of veteran Vince Velasquez from Triple-A Iowa. These adjustments follow a rash of injuries to starters Ben Brown, Edward Cabrera, and Justin Steele.
Farm Report
- Iowa (AAA): Jonathon Long went 3-for-5 with a home run and six RBIs in a 12-1 win over Buffalo. Long’s massive performance headlined Iowa’s 17-hit offensive output.
- Knoxville (AA): Carter Trice finished 2-for-4 with two doubles and a stolen base in a 3-2 victory against Birmingham. Trice’s extra-base hits provided a necessary spark in a tight defensive matchup.
- South Bend (A+): Jackson Brockett tossed 5.1 scoreless innings of relief, allowing only one hit in a 4-3 win over Quad Cities. Brockett faced the minimum over his career-high outing to secure the comeback victory.
- Myrtle Beach (A): Darlyn De Leon had a successful game. He went 1-for-3 with a double. He also contributed two RBIs and three runs in an 8-1 win over Salem. De Leon’s production helped the Pelicans take advantage of 15 walks by Salem pitching.
- ACL Cubs (Rk): Ortiz had an impressive performance, going 2-for-3 with a home run. He scored three runs in the 11-7 win over the ACL Rockies. His solo shot in the ninth inning capped a high-scoring 13-hit night for the Cubs.
Deep Dive: Why the Cubs Could Buy Big at the Deadline — and 6 Pitchers Who Fit the Plan
The Chicago Cubs have experienced an “astonishing” run of injuries to the pitching staff. Despite this, they remain in a playoff position. They currently hold the final National League Wild Card slot. However, with Justin Steele, Ben Brown, and Edward Cabrera all sidelined, the current rotation is being pushed to its limit. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer may look to “buy big” at the deadline. The strategy will likely focus on acquiring starters with multiple years of team control. Adding controllable arms serves as an immediate fix for the 2026 postseason. It also provides a long-term solution for 2027. Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd will be eligible for free agency then.
Six primary targets fit Chicago’s needs. Logan Webb of the Giants is a top candidate because he is durable. His high groundball rate pairs well with the Cubs’ defense. Angels left-hander Reid Detmers offers 2.5 years of control and impressive strikeout metrics, while his teammate Jose Soriano provides high upside through 2028. The Cubs have historically coveted MacKenzie Gore of the Rangers. They have also shown interest in Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins. Both players could be available if their teams sell. Finally, Joe Ryan of the Twins is a high-strikeout option controlled through 2027. By securing these types of players now, Hoyer avoids a risky proposition. He won’t have to fill five rotation spots in a single offseason.
Looking Ahead
Newly acquired David Peterson makes his Cubs debut today against the Brewers. He will be opposed by Milwaukee left-hander Kyle Harrison, who holds an 8-1 record and a 2.50 ERA.
The Cubs’ postseason hopes currently rest on whether Jed Hoyer can land another reliable starter. The rotation might run completely out of gas without a new addition. What do you think?
