What's Happening?
The Chicago Cubs are set to begin a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, California, as part of a nine-game road trip. The Cubs, currently second in the National League Central, are seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite a recent series loss to the Brewers, the Cubs are optimistic about their upcoming games, as all three teams they will face have losing records. The Cubs have a 5 1/2-game lead for the top NL wild-card berth. The Angels, who are 6 1/2 games out of the final wild-card spot in the American League, will start left-hander Tyler Anderson, who has a 2-8 record with a 4.77 ERA. The Cubs' starting pitcher is yet to be confirmed, but right-hander Ben Brown is a likely candidate.
Why It's Important?
This series is crucial for the Cubs as they seek to close the gap with the Brewers and solidify their position in the wild-card race. A successful road trip could significantly boost their playoff chances. For the Angels, this series represents an opportunity to improve their standing in the American League wild-card race. Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the return of key players like Zach Neto for the Angels could impact the series outcome. The performance of pitchers like Tyler Anderson and Ben Brown will be pivotal in determining the series' direction.
What's Next?
The Cubs will continue their road trip with games against the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies following the series with the Angels. The outcome of these games will be critical in shaping the Cubs' playoff prospects. The Angels, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on their home advantage and improve their record in the American League standings.
