The Cubs and the Brewers tied their four game series with two games each. Unfortunately for the Cubs, this effectively puts the standings on pause as they remain eight games behind, the very same position they were in prior to the series. Now, on the other side, the Cubs move on to Miami for a three game series before finishing up their regular season battle with the Brewers in Milwaukee.
Unlike the series in Chicago, this next one is a three game series, and will certainly have a victor. Beyond that, the Cubs still have six more games against divisional opponents. As the season comes to a close here, the Cubs must take stock and understand that though their pitching has improved significantly, the hole they've dug may be too deep to escape.
As of this moment, provided Craig Counsell doesn't change his mind, the Cubs are slated to start Peterson, Gausman, and Imanaga when they head to Milwaukee. Gausman threw for seven innings in what was easily his best start at Wrigley on Thursday, and it was enough for the Cubs to hang onto the win.
Peterson has had ups and downs since coming to Chicago, but on the whole, he's been solid since he joined the Cubs back in June. He's been reliable, even making an appearance out of the bullpen when the Cubs were in a bit of a transitional period.
Shota Imanaga gives the Cubs one lingering October concern
The problem here is potentially Imanaga. Shota has been good for the Cubs for the majority of the season. His 8-10 record doesn't quite reflect the positive impact he's had on the Cubs in 2026. His 4.01 ERA may paint a different picture, but the fact remains that Shota has given up an alarming amount of home runs this season.
While Craig Counsell has indicated that Shota's starting job isn't in jeopardy, difficult questions will still need an answer when it comes to the playoff roster. Imanaga has faced the Brewers only once this season, but in that start, he gave up two dingers. That game was all the way back in May, and many things have changed since then. But Imanaga's issues with the long ball continue, and it's concerning as we move towards such an important series.
The Bullpen has improved, yes, but that doesn't mean they have overcome all the issues that got them into the position they are now. At the end of the day, these final few weeks become more important than the rest of the season as they determine the final positions with respect to the post-season.
The Cubs have too much at stake to treat the final weeks as little more than a tune-up. Imanaga still has time to quiet these concerns, but every home run he allows will make Counsell’s postseason decision that much harder.
| More Cubs on DaWindyCity |
Add us as a preferred source on Google