What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Chicago Cubs are entering the final month of the regular season in a strong playoff position, despite facing challenges during their recent West Coast trip. The team experienced two walk-off losses and a sweep by the San Francisco Giants, but managed to sweep the Los Angeles Angels. The Cubs are currently 78-59 and hold a lead in the National League's first wild-card spot. They are also 6.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the division race. The team is set to expand its roster, adding pitcher Aaron Civale and veteran switch-hitter Carlos Santana to bolster their depth for the postseason.
Why It's Important?
The Cubs' position in the playoffs is crucial for the team's aspirations to make a deep postseason run. With a 99.7% chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs, the Cubs are well-positioned to capitalize on their current standing. The addition of Civale and Santana provides the team with more options and flexibility, which is vital as they aim to overcome any potential injuries or performance dips. The Cubs' ability to maintain their playoff position despite recent challenges demonstrates their resilience and potential to compete at a high level.
What's Next?
As the Cubs enter September, they will focus on maintaining their playoff position and potentially challenging for the division title. The team's schedule favors their quest for postseason success, with only two of eight series against teams with winning records. The Cubs will need to continue their strong performance and capitalize on their depth to ensure a successful playoff run.
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