Chicago Cubs news

Pete Crow-Armstrong Completes Historic 40-40 Season

Crow-Armstrong stole his 40th base Sept. 24, becoming the seventh player in MLB history -- and the first Cub ever -- to reach 40 homers and 40 steals in a season. He entered the day with an MLB-leading 9.8 WAR.

Cubs' Finale Relocated to Tropicana Field Ahead of Nor'easter

MLB moved Chicago's season-ending game against Boston from Fenway Park to neutral-site Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg to avoid an incoming storm, shifting the Sunday finale to 3:05 p.m. ET. The Cubs, already in as a Wild Card team, are swept in a Friday doubleheader before the move.

Kevin Gausman Dealing With Shoulder Soreness Entering October

Gausman reported soreness in his throwing shoulder after his most recent outing; his availability for next week is uncertain, though the club hopes he'll be ready for the NLDS if the Cubs advance.

Justin Steele Likely Done for 2026 Without a Return

The Cubs have not indicated plans to activate the left-hander from the IL this weekend, meaning his season will likely end without a major-league appearance.

Ian Happ's Cubs Future Uncertain Ahead of Free Agency

Happ, a Cub for a decade, may not return next season as he nears free agency; separately, Marquee Sports Network broadcaster Taylor McGregor is departing for ESPN.

Cubs enter October with Pete Crow-Armstrong's historic 40-40 season punctuating a Wild Card berth, though shoulder soreness for Kevin Gausman is a lingering question.

Alex Bregman back in Cubs lineup as DH, first appearance since hospitalization

Bregman was named the designated hitter for Friday's doubleheader opener against Boston, his first appearance since a Sept. 21 foul-ball incident sent him to the hospital with facial fractures. He was slotted at DH rather than his usual infield spot.

Cubs and White Sox both clinch playoff berths within two minutes of each other

Chicago's two clubs clinched postseason berths Thursday within two minutes of one another — the fourth time in more than 125 years both Chicago teams have made the playoffs in the same season, and the first since 2020. "If they were to play each other in the World Series, it would be one of the great things to ever happen to the city of Chicago," longtime broadcaster Steve Stone said. Cubs president Jed Hoyer exchanged congratulatory texts with White Sox GM Chris Getz during the clinching day.

Alex Bregman back in Cubs lineup as DH, first appearance since hospitalization

Cubs and White Sox both clinch playoff berths within two minutes of each other

Bregman targeting Boston weekend return; no surgery or concussion reported, working cage sessions

Alex Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures from a foul ball on Sept. 20. His vision is reportedly unaffected and he was not diagnosed with a concussion; no surgery has been reported. He has begun cage work tracking pitches on a Trajekt simulation machine, and manager Craig Counsell did not rule out Bregman playing this weekend in Boston, with a plan to have him back "at the latest" for the postseason. Bregman: "I hope so...I'm going to try to get in there tonight."

Kevin Gausman's shoulder status uncertain after awkward tag play, clouds Game 1 plans

Gausman injured his left shoulder applying a tag at third base and was replaced mid-game. Manager Craig Counsell said the shoulder "got extended kind of weird" and Gausman is "a little sore" pending further evaluation; Matthew Boyd would start Game 1 of the playoffs if Gausman can't go.

Cubs clinch NL Wild Card as Crow-Armstrong joins 40/40 club in 2-1 win over Marlins

Matthew Boyd threw seven innings of one-run ball and Pete Crow-Armstrong stole his 40th base to become the 7th player in MLB history to reach 40 homers and 40 steals in a season, as Chicago clinched a playoff berth at Wrigley Field.

Front office frames core around Bregman, Crow-Armstrong, Hoerner, Busch, Swanson as up to nine others near free agency

As many as nine contributors — including Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki and Kevin Gausman — could reach free agency this winter, while the front office is described as committed to building around Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Michael Busch, Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman.

Justin Steele's bullpen session could determine if he's a weekend option in Boston

Steele threw a scheduled bullpen session Wednesday, after which the club planned to evaluate whether he's available for a lower-leverage role this weekend or shut down for the season.

Clinched an NL Wild Card berth as Pete Crow-Armstrong became the 7th player in MLB history to reach 40 HR/40 SB in a season.

Alex Bregman targeting a return this weekend after facial fractures, with no surgery or concussion reported.

Kevin Gausman's shoulder status is uncertain heading into the postseason after an awkward tag-play injury.

Cubs enter final week tied atop NL wild-card race, hold tiebreaker edge

Chicago sits in an 87-70, three-way tie with Philadelphia and San Diego for the NL's wild-card spots but holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over both, meaning one more win or one more Diamondbacks loss would clinch a playoff berth. The Cubs lost 3-2 to a spoiler-minded Marlins club on September 23.

Crow-Armstrong two steals from joining the 40-40 club

Pete Crow-Armstrong is two stolen bases shy of a 40-homer, 40-steal season, one of only seven such seasons in MLB history, adding to his case in this year's NL MVP race as Chicago enters its final week.

Cubs enter the final week tied atop the NL wild-card race, holding the tiebreaker edge.

Pete Crow-Armstrong sits two steals from a rare 40-40 season.

Bregman won't go on IL, could return this weekend in Boston

Manager Craig Counsell confirmed on the record Tuesday that Alex Bregman, who suffered multiple facial fractures from a foul ball off Michael Busch's bat on Sept. 20, will not be placed on the injured list and could return as soon as this weekend. Six games remained in the regular season. Bregman had earlier posted to Instagram showing his swollen face and writing 'I'll be back.'

Cubs fall 4-2 in 12 innings to Marlins as playoff clinch scenario continues

Chicago lost its Tuesday series opener against Miami in extra innings, pausing its bid to clinch a playoff berth. The Cubs hold a tiebreaker over the Padres and Phillies for the NL's top wild-card seed; they close the season at Miami and then Boston.

Cubs Open Public Ticket Sale for Potential Wrigley Wild Card Games

With the club one win (or one D-backs loss) from clinching, the front office is moving ahead on postseason logistics — public on-sale opens tomorrow (9/23, 10am CT) for any NL Wild Card Series games at Wrigley (9/29-10/1), a concrete signal of how close the Cubs are and a real service item for local fans planning to attend. - Public on-sale for potential Wild Card Series games at Wrigley (Tue 9/29-Thu 10/1) opens Wed 9/23 at 10am CT at cubs.com/postseason. - Limit of four tickets per game, mobile-only via MLB Ballpark app. - Separate "Fly the W" presale registration for NLDS-and-beyond home

Cubs Host Marlins in Final Home Series, Controlling Own Postseason Destiny

This is the Cubs' last home series of the regular season and they control their own fate for NL Wild Card positioning and potential home-field advantage in Round 1 — meaningful stakes for a Wrigley crowd, layered with in-game milestones (Pete Crow-Armstrong's stolen-base chase, Dansby Swanson's return from injury) that give the homestand extra local texture. - Cubs took 2 of 3 from Reds over the weekend; Marlins (76-80) already eliminated from playoff contention but improved from last season, strong on-base offense (Griffin Conine, Kyle Stowers hot down the stretch). - Pete Crow-Armstrong ne

Alex Bregman posts injury update, says 'I'll be back' after facial fractures

Bregman posted to his Instagram story showing his left eye swollen shut, captioned "I'll be back," with no return timeline given. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said after Sunday's game he didn't have further information: "I don't know anything more than that. I'm hoping and praying he is all right. We have to get good results from the hospital first." Matt Shaw replaced Bregman in the lineup after the incident. Per Cubs Insider's report, Bregman has multiple facial fractures and is not expected to need surgery.

Cubs one win from clinching second straight playoff berth after 9-1 rout of Reds

David Peterson allowed one run over six innings and Pete Crow-Armstrong homered again; Chicago needs one more win or an Arizona loss to clinch, which would be the franchise's 4th stretch of consecutive postseason trips.

Dansby Swanson's return from oblique injury restores Cubs' elite infield defense

The team's MLB-leading defensive numbers dipped sharply during Swanson's roughly monthlong absence and have begun rebounding since his return Friday.

Counsell says Cubs 'got to find out about our bullpen' before October

The manager has treated the last three series as playoff dress rehearsals; Daniel Palencia threw two perfect innings Saturday and profiles for a setup role in October.

Cubs' full-season affiliates wind down: Iowa wins, Knoxville eliminated

Triple-A Iowa beat Omaha while Double-A Knoxville was eliminated from its playoff series, effectively closing the system's minor-league year.

Chicago is one win from a second straight playoff berth as its infield defense rounds back into form.

Cubs beat Reds 5-2 to stay in the top NL Wild Card spot

Matthew Boyd earned his 9th win, and Seiya Suzuki and Nico Hoerner drove in runs as Chicago held its Wild Card position.

Crow-Armstrong's MVP case builds with 44th homer

Pete Crow-Armstrong passed Billy Williams for the most home runs by a left-handed hitter in a single Cubs season, part of an MVP-caliber year that has powered Chicago's Wild Card push.

Cubs activate Swanson; Miller and Martin shut down for the season

Dansby Swanson returned from the injured list for the Reds series. RHPs Shelby Miller and Riley Martin were both shut down for the remainder of the season.

Pete Crow-Armstrong's MVP-caliber September is carrying the Cubs' push to hold their Wild Card spot.

Cubs fall to Reds 6-4 in Cincinnati as bullpen walks the bases loaded

Clay Holmes walked the bases loaded in the 6th before Cincinnati capitalized with a two-run single; Chicago was also thrown out attempting to steal second down two runs with two outs in the 9th.

Dansby Swanson activated off IL in Cincinnati; Justin Steele's rehab timetable unclear

Swanson (oblique strain) returned to action after taking live at-bats and defensive work; Steele hasn't pitched in a Triple-A game since Sept. 10 despite a reported bullpen session, with the Cubs yet to clarify his path back to the rotation.

Cubs' playoff odds hit 99.9% -- team could lose out and still make the postseason

Chicago holds a 5.0-game cushion over Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot with nine games left and holds the tiebreaker; a wild-card matchup would likely be on the road against the Braves if seeding holds.

Knoxville Smokies swept out of playoffs; Iowa Cubs beat Omaha after weather delays

Double-A Knoxville's season ended in a first-round sweep loss to Rocket City; Triple-A Iowa beat Omaha 3-2 behind five no-hit innings from Connor Noland.

Chicago's magic number keeps shrinking toward a wild-card berth even as bullpen shakiness raises questions about October readiness.

Cubs beat Braves 8-4, cling to the top NL wild-card spot

Chicago's win at Wrigley on Sept. 16 kept it in the top wild-card position with roughly 10 games remaining.

Cubs injury picture: Happ and Swanson banged up, Steele nearing a return

Ian Happ is dealing with foot soreness, Dansby Swanson (oblique) has been on rehab games, and Justin Steele has thrown two rehab innings at Triple-A Iowa as he works back from a 60-day IL stint.

Iowa Cubs close out a non-playoff season with a final homestand vs. Toledo

Iowa finished 33-47, missing the International League playoffs, as the Cubs' system leans on big-league pitching depth (Steele's rehab) down the stretch.

Chicago is fighting to hold the top NL wild-card spot in the season's final stretch

Health of Happ and Swanson, plus Steele's rehab, will shape the roster into October

Crow-Armstrong's two homers, Imanaga's gem power Cubs past Braves 8-4

Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 43rd and 44th home runs, breaking Billy Williams' 1970 franchise record for left-handed hitters, while Shota Imanaga allowed one run over six innings, exactly the kind of stretch-run performance Chicago needs with a 1.5-game wild-card cushion.

Cubs lose Shelby Miller for season, Riley Martin return unlikely as bullpen crunch deepens

Manager Craig Counsell said Miller, in his second Tommy John recovery, won't pitch again in 2026, and Riley Martin's return this year isn't expected either — sharpening questions about October bullpen depth as Dansby Swanson continues his own rehab.

Knoxville Smokies drop playoff opener 9-2 to Rocket City Trash Pandas

Chicago's Double-A affiliate trails 1-0 in its Southern League Division Series, while the High-A South Bend Cubs' season ended in their own division series.

Crow-Armstrong's two homers, Imanaga's gem power Cubs past Braves 8-4

Cubs lose Shelby Miller for season, Riley Martin return unlikely as bullpen crunch deepens

Knoxville Smokies drop playoff opener 9-2 to Rocket City Trash Pandas

Crow-Armstrong's 4-for-5, 4-RBI day powers Cubs past Braves 7-3

Pete Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, four RBI and a stolen base in the Sept. 14 win, keeping Chicago atop the NL wild-card standings. Shota Imanaga faces JR Ritchie in today's series finale.

Cubs place Trent Thornton on 15-day IL, shift Edward Cabrera to the bullpen

Thornton, who had a 3.35 ERA in 48 appearances, is sidelined with a left ankle sprain and likely out into the postseason. Cabrera was activated and moved to relief after a 5.68 ERA over 15 starts and three IL stints this year.

South Bend eliminated from Midwest League playoffs; Knoxville opens Southern League series

High-A South Bend lost its division series 2-0 to Quad Cities. Double-A Knoxville opened a Southern League series against Rocket City on Sept. 15, with Game 2 set for Sept. 17.

Chicago holds the NL's top wild-card spot as Pete Crow-Armstrong's MVP-caliber September continues.

Crow-Armstrong's 4-hit, 4-RBI night powers Cubs past Braves 7-3

Pete Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-5 with a home run, four RBI and a stolen base as Chicago beat Atlanta 7-3 at Wrigley, a statement win for a club clinging to the NL's top wild-card spot.

Cubs GM Carter Hawkins named on a list of front-office targets circulating MLB

A Sept. 14 report lists Hawkins among potential front-office targets around the league, though there is no indication he or the Cubs are pursuing a move.

Cubs' IL crunch continues as Swanson targets a mid-September return

Dansby Swanson (oblique, IL since Aug. 17) is expected back mid-September, while Justin Steele remains out with an elbow flexor strain and reliever Phil Maton is likely done for the year after knee surgery.

South Bend's playoff run ends in Midwest League semis; Iowa closes out its home slate with a win

High-A South Bend, which won the league's best record in the first half, fell to Quad Cities in the Midwest League Division Series; Triple-A Iowa beat Toledo 2-1 in its final home game of the season.

Cubs hold the NL's top wild-card spot

Cubs still hold the NL's top wild-card spot despite a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh

Brandon Lowe's tiebreaking two-run single in a three-run sixth beat Chicago in the series finale, but the Cubs took the set 2-1 and remain atop the NL wild-card race with about two weeks left.

Cubs activate Edward Cabrera, place Trent Thornton on the IL with an ankle sprain

Bullpen churn for a club defending a wild-card spot down the stretch.

A rough day on the farm as Iowa and Knoxville both fall late

Triple-A Iowa blew a 7-1 lead in a 9-7 loss to Toledo, and Double-A Knoxville lost 5-2 after tying it late.

Clinging to the top NL wild-card spot in a tight late-season race with Philadelphia

Cubs activate Edward Cabrera as bullpen piece, place Trent Thornton on 15-day IL after rally win over Pirates

Cabrera, out since Aug. 17 with a finger blister, returns as a reliever rather than a starter. Thornton, who had made 48 appearances this season, sprained his left ankle and is now out into the postseason window. The moves came the same day Chicago rallied from a 3-2 deficit for a 4-3 win over Pittsburgh to stay in the hunt for the top NL wild-card spot.

Bregman, Suzuki power 16-hit attack as Cubs rout Pirates 12-2

Cubs activate Edward Cabrera, place Trent Thornton on IL with ankle sprain

Cubs' bullpen management under scrutiny amid four-game skid as Pirates arrive at Wrigley

Local coverage has turned critical of manager Craig Counsell's handling of the bullpen after a Labor Day loss to Milwaukee, part of a four-game skid that dropped Chicago behind Philadelphia for the top NL wild-card seed. On the injury front, SS Dansby Swanson could resume rehab games Sept. 14-16, RHP Phil Maton will undergo season-ending knee surgery the week of Sept. 14, and RHP Ben Brown will not pitch again in 2026 after a setback. Pete Crow-Armstrong became the first Cub to hit 40 home runs in a season since Derek Lee in 2005.

10.0 games back in the division but holding a wild-card cushion after a 4-game skid.

Cubs swept by Brewers despite five-run ninth-inning rally

Chicago trailed 8-1 before a five-run ninth, highlighted by Michael Conforto's two-run double, fell short in an 8-6 loss. Kevin Gausman allowed seven runs (six earned) over four innings. Pete Crow-Armstrong needs five more stolen bases in the final stretch to join the 40-40 club.

Swept at home by Milwaukee, falling 8-6 in the finale Wednesday; 10.0 games back but hold a wild-card cushion.

Chourio's game-tying homer, Lara's walk-off single sink Cubs 4-3 in 10

Chicago blew a 3-1 ninth-inning lead as closer Jacob Webb allowed the tying two-run homer, then lost in the 10th -- the second straight day Milwaukee has come from behind to beat the Cubs, stretching the Brewers' division lead to nine games.

Cubs open postseason ticket lottery registration

Registration for the club's 'Fly the W' postseason ticket lottery opened Sept. 9 and runs through Sept. 20 for the wild-card round; whether Wrigley hosts a postseason game depends on the Cubs securing the top NL wild-card seed.

High-A South Bend finished 77-51, best record in the Midwest League, and opened a playoff series against Quad Cities

Cubs' late lead slips away in 4-3 loss to Brewers

Chicago led 4-2 into the eighth before Milwaukee's Jackson Chourio delivered a go-ahead two-run single; Pedro Ramírez and Pete Crow-Armstrong both homered for the Cubs in the loss, which pushed the division deficit to 8.0 games.

Cubs trail Milwaukee by 8.0 games; Dansby Swanson (oblique) is targeting a mid-September return.

Cubs' series meltdown in Miami continues, fall 10-3 to Marlins

Clay Holmes was pulled after 4.1 innings amid command trouble; Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 40th home run of the season in the loss.

Cubs injury board: Swanson progressing, Steele on rehab assignment, Brown done for year

Dansby Swanson is doing agility work and is roughly two weeks from returning; Justin Steele threw in his first affiliated appearance since April 2025. Ben Brown will not pitch again this season, and a decision looms on Phil Maton's partially torn patellar tendon.

Cubs add B.J. Murray Jr., Tyler Ferguson for September

Infield prospect Murray debuted after hitting .294 with 16 homers at Triple-A Iowa; right-hander Ferguson, acquired from Oakland in May, has a 3.45 ERA in 17 big-league innings this year.

Hoyer flags pitching and home runs allowed as October readiness questions

President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer noted the Cubs lead MLB in runs and home runs but pointed to bullpen consistency and homers allowed as the team's biggest vulnerability heading into the stretch.

Zeferjahn survives ABS reversal to close out 6-5 win over Marlins

Chicago won its third straight; Michael Conforto and Ian Happ powered an early lead, and closer Ryan Zeferjahn recorded his 5th save after an automated ball-strike challenge overturned a called third strike in the 9th. Closer Jacob Webb remains out after being hit by a line drive Sept. 2.

Chicago (81-62) trails Milwaukee by 7.0 games in the NL Central but safely holds the top NL wild card.

Imanaga's six sharp innings, Crow-Armstrong's wall-robbing catch send Cubs into the NL's top Wild Card spot

Imanaga picked up his first win in 9 starts since the All-Star break; Crow-Armstrong doubled, stole his 33rd base and robbed a home run at the wall. Chicago broke the game open late to move to 80-62.

Cubs injury board: Swanson's oblique timeline, Webb cleared, Cabrera nearing return

Dansby Swanson (oblique strain) is expected out about two more weeks; RHP Jacob Webb's X-rays were negative after being hit by a comebacker; RHP Edward Cabrera threw a 17-pitch rehab inning for Triple-A Iowa.

Iowa nips Toledo 5-4 as Knoxville and South Bend affiliates also play

Ty Blach worked 5 innings for the win as Triple-A Iowa edged Toledo; Double-A Knoxville lost 13-3 to Chattanooga and High-A South Bend was suspended by rain.

Cubs move into the NL's top Wild Card position

Injury board shows a path back for three pitchers

Pete Crow-Armstrong's leadoff homer, Kevin Gausman's gem seal 2-1 win over Brewers

Crow-Armstrong hit his 39th home run, one behind the major-league lead, as the Cubs salvaged a series split against the division-leading Brewers.

Crow-Armstrong named NL Player of the Month for August

Crow-Armstrong hit 14 home runs in August, cementing his status as a top NL MVP and home-run-race contender.

Jed Hoyer: Cubs have been "really streaky" as pitching lags an elite offense

The Cubs' president of baseball operations says Chicago's MLB-leading offense (742 runs, 196 home runs entering September) has been undercut by inconsistent pitching; left-hander Justin Steele has begun a minor-league rehab assignment.

Holding an NL Wild Card spot

Crow-Armstrong's MVP-caliber August

Pitching consistency the swing factor down the stretch

Brewers bury Cubs 9-5 in pivotal Wrigley series, Chicago's skid reaches two

Milwaukee out-hit Chicago 14-6 with Jackson Chourio and Joey Ortiz both homering in a game with direct playoff-seeding stakes for the Cubs, who remain in a comfortable wild-card position but are sliding in the division race.

Steele's rocky rehab return and Hoyer's on-record read of the pitching staff's homer problem

Justin Steele, back from April 2025 elbow surgery, allowed three runs in his first Triple-A Iowa rehab start with below-normal velocity; the same day, president Jed Hoyer publicly tied the club's recent pitching struggles to a home-run problem and said Dansby Swanson (oblique) is still several days from clearance.

Triple-A Iowa lost to Columbus in its first game since infielder BJ Murray was called up to Chicago.

Cubs call up BJ Murray Jr. for MLB debut, recall Tyler Ferguson

Murray, Chicago's No. 19 prospect who hit .294 with 16 home runs at Triple-A Iowa, recorded his first career hit in a loss to Milwaukee and becomes just the second Bahamian-born player in Cubs history. Manager Craig Counsell praised his consistent Triple-A season on the record.

Cubs' bullpen implodes again as Brewers rally past Chicago 9-4, drop to No. 2 wild-card seed

Chicago blew a 3-1 sixth-inning lead as four relievers combined to allow the rally; combined with Philadelphia's win, the Cubs (78-61) fell to the second NL wild-card seed. Counsell acknowledged defensive lapses on the record.

Holds an NL wild-card spot but slipped to the No. 2 seed after a bullpen collapse.

Cubs blast Brewers 17-3, set franchise home-run record in historic August

Chicago hit nine home runs, a franchise record, including three from Alex Bregman, capping the second-most homers by any team in a calendar month in MLB history (62), behind only the 2019 Yankees.

Dansby Swanson's oblique strain expected to cost at least four weeks

Swanson resumed defensive work but an MRI showed a strain likely to keep him out roughly a month; RHP Edward Cabrera begins a rehab stint the week of Sept. 1.

Cubs blast Brewers 17-3, set franchise home-run record in historic August

Dansby Swanson's oblique strain expected to cost at least four weeks

Reds bury Imanaga under three homers as Cubs drop series finale 7-5

The Cubs (77-60) lost a winnable series finale at Wrigley as their rotation's homer-prone tendencies deepened just before a pivotal week against the first-place Brewers. Imanaga's outing set a single-season franchise record and reopens questions about rotation stability during the Cubs' Wild Card push.

The making of an MVP case: how Crow-Armstrong rebuilt his swing in New York

Crow-Armstrong has emerged as the leading NL MVP candidate down the stretch for a Cubs team fighting to hold the top Wild Card spot. Local reporting traces the turnaround to a specific in-season swing adjustment with hitting coaches, adding real depth beyond box-score production.

Cubs' bullpen and system purge: Milner cut loose, Chicago native Howard released

Beyond the bare transaction, local reporting shows the Cubs ran Milner through a DFA-then-waivers process over several days while separately cutting ties with 2020 first-rounder and Chicago native Ed Howard, underscoring a stretch-run roster crunch as Chicago tries to protect its Wild Card position.

Cubs open pivotal four-game set with Brewers eight games back, bullpen regressing

The Cubs enter a critical seven-games-in-ten-days stretch against the division-leading Brewers having lost three straight series and gone 3-7 in their last 10. Local reporting frames the stakes for Chicago's Wild Card push and its rotation/bullpen health with the postseason picture in view.

Chicago Cubs (77-60, NL Central rank 2): Reds bury Imanaga under three homers as Cubs drop series finale 7-5

Crow-Armstrong's first career 3-homer game fuels Cubs' 17-5 rout of Reds, deepens NL MVP case

Crow-Armstrong went 4-for-6 with three home runs and six RBI Aug. 29 — the first Cubs player with 4 hits/3 HR/6 RBI in one game since 1974 — sharpening a season-long MVP race with Shohei Ohtani that Cubs fans have tracked all summer.

Cubs DFA reliever Hoby Milner after rehab stint

Milner (3.53 ERA in 38 appearances before an appendectomy-related IL stint) was designated for assignment Aug. 29, clearing a 40-man spot as Chicago manages its wild-card push.

Holding the top NL wild card; Crow-Armstrong's historic day sharpens an MVP case that reaches into the Ohtani race.

Reds rally past Cubs 10-8 at Wrigley as bullpen falters again

Chicago allowed nine unanswered runs over four innings before a four-run eighth-inning rally fell short, its third straight loss. Matt Shaw, activated from the IL, doubled and scored during the comeback attempt.

The Cubs are clinging to a wild-card spot on a three-game losing streak, with bullpen trouble the recurring theme.

Cubs affiliates go 2-2: Iowa's fluke inside-the-park homer, South Bend's Angel Cepeda hits two homers

No. 1 prospect Josiah Hartshorn also had a big night at South Bend as Chicago's farm system stays busy during the MLB club's wild-card push.

Cubs hire Kenta Nomoto as director of scouting operations, promote Michael Meagher

The front-office build-out signals continued investment in draft and international infrastructure while the MLB roster holds a wild-card spot.

Report: Cubs among teams scouting NPB free-agent-to-be RHP Kaima Taira

Taira has a 1.46 ERA with an extreme ground-ball profile for the Seibu Lions this season; several MLB teams reportedly sent scouts to Japan this week.

Cubs injury board: Matt Shaw and Hoby Milner targeting Aug. 28 return, Tyler Austin out until at least Sept. 10

The timelines line up with today's series opener against Cincinnati at Wrigley as Chicago holds a wild-card spot by 4.0 games.

Wild-card club investing in scouting infrastructure while managing a deep injury board

Cubs shut out 2-0 by Diamondbacks amid disputed non-balk call

A disputed non-balk call went against Chicago and became a postgame storyline for Pete Crow-Armstrong in a game that also featured a tense fifth-inning dugout exchange between the clubs.

Steele, Brown progress in rehab toward late-season returns

LHP Justin Steele threw two innings against live hitters, and RHP Ben Brown threw 34 pitches over two innings in a bridge-camp game, both working toward in-game returns before season's end.

Iowa, Knoxville keep winning as Cubs add catcher depth in Wynns

Triple-A Iowa and Double-A Knoxville both won as Chicago signed free-agent catcher Austin Wynns (released by Texas) and assigned him to Iowa.

Wild-card cushion intact at +4.0 despite a tough loss to Arizona

Cubs' bullpen blows third walk-off loss in five games, fall to Diamondbacks

Chicago's relief corps -- Daniel Palencia and Jacob Webb in particular -- struggled again in a loss that highlights a recurring soft spot for the contending club.

Conforto says this Cubs group reminds him of last year's champion Dodgers

The outfielder, who signed after a down 2025 in Los Angeles, has become a key bench weapon with a franchise-record four pinch-hit homers.

Cubs still searching for a clear Game 1 playoff starter

Manager Craig Counsell said the club has no obvious postseason opener as it leads MLB in runs scored; Matthew Boyd wants the assignment again.

Cubs' bullpen blows third walk-off loss in five games, fall to Diamondbacks

Conforto says this Cubs group reminds him of last year's champion Dodgers

Cubs still searching for a clear Game 1 playoff starter

Cubs blank Diamondbacks 7-0 as Conforto and Kelly go back-to-back

Chicago's road shutout keeps pace in the wild-card race, with Michael Conforto and Carson Kelly connecting for back-to-back home runs.

Cubs outright Owen Miller to Iowa after brief callup

Miller, used as emergency infield depth while Dansby Swanson was on the IL, was sent down after clearing waivers, closing out a thin stretch for the bench.

Iowa holds off Toledo 4-2 as Cubs' Triple-A depth stays sharp

Chas McCormick and Matt Shaw drove in runs as Iowa won behind five scoreless innings from Braxton Garrett.

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Cubs placed Cabrera and Swanson on IL in multi-move roster reshape

Edward Cabrera (finger blister) and Dansby Swanson (oblique strain) both went on the IL; Alexander Canario/Assad and Alcantara were recalled and Owen Miller's contract selected as Chicago (74-56, WC1) manages depth for the stretch run.

Iowa wins in extras, Knoxville splits doubleheader

Iowa Cubs picked up an extra-innings win while Double-A Knoxville split its doubleheader against Pensacola, a snapshot of affiliate form heading into the stretch run.

Cubs placed Cabrera and Swanson on IL in multi-move roster reshape

Iowa wins in extras, Knoxville splits doubleheader

Palencia activated Friday but won't reclaim closer role as Cubs open Seattle series looking to gain ground on Brewers

The Cubs are trying to close a division gap with Milwaukee before a stretch of seven games against the Brewers in ten days immediately after this road trip, making bullpen clarity and hot bats from Hoerner and Bregman locally significant heading into that stretch. Palencia's return adds an arm back to a bullpen that ranks 22nd in MLB in saves. Cubs (74-54 entering the series) bounced back from dropping a series to the Cardinals by taking two of three from the White Sox on walk-off wins before this West Coast trip. Daniel Palencia is set to return from the injured list Friday but will not be the closer. Nico Hoerner is hitting .318 in the month of August. Alex Bregman is posting a .924 OPS with five home runs in August. Seven games against first-place Milwaukee loom in the ten days immediately following this Seattle trip.

Palencia's activation caps two-month recovery from flexor strain; Miller designated for assignment, Assad optioned for fourth time this season

The corresponding roster moves show the churn behind the Cubs' active roster during a playoff push: Miller, who had appeared in a single inning since his call-up days earlier, is now exposed to DFA, while Assad's fourth option of the year underlines the org's rotation/bullpen depth being tested down the stretch. Palencia last pitched June 15 before being sidelined by a mild right flexor strain; in 19 games this year he owns a 2.70 ERA/3.45 FIP over 16 2/3 innings and has converted all three save chances. Gabriel Arias, claimed off waivers from the Mets, is with his third organization this season (Guardians, Mets, Cubs) and is hitting .235/.273/.371 with 5 HR and 11 RBI in 44 games. Owen Miller had been called up just days earlier as an extra infielder when Dansby Swanson went on the IL and had appeared in only one game (one inning at second base). Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A Iowa for the fourth time this year; in 22 games (10 starts, 83 1/3 IP) he carries a 3.46 ERA/4.97 FIP this season.

Knoxville's nine-run first inning powers 16-5 doubleheader-opener rout; Iowa wins in extras behind Triantos, Ayers

A big offensive day across the system — headlined by Double-A Knoxville batting around twice in the first inning — gives the Cubs' farm developments beyond the trade-deadline names already known locally, with Iowa's extra-inning win showing organizational depth (James Triantos, Chas McCormick) that could matter for September call-ups. Knoxville beat Pensacola 16-5 in the opener of a doubleheader, scoring nine runs in the first inning; Andy Garriola went 2-for-5 with a three-run homer and four RBI, Edgar Alvarez had three hits and two RBI. Knoxville lost the nightcap 6-1, managing just two hits; Karson Simas's solo homer (his fifth) was the club's only run. Iowa beat Toledo 5-4 in ten innings; James Triantos doubled home the tying run in the ninth, and Owen Ayers scored the winning run as the extra-innings runner on a Chas McCormick double-play grounder. Eduarniel Núñez struck out three over two scoreless innings for the win; Luis Peralta earned the save.

Palencia activated Friday but won't reclaim closer role as Cubs open Seattle series looking to gain ground on Brewers

Palencia's activation caps two-month recovery from flexor strain; Miller designated for assignment, Assad optioned for fourth time this season

Knoxville's nine-run first inning powers 16-5 doubleheader-opener rout; Iowa wins in extras behind Triantos, Ayers

Cubs fall 6-5 in 10 innings to Mariners

Chicago dropped its second straight game on a West Coast trip in a back-and-forth game with Seattle.

Cubs activate Daniel Palencia from 60-day IL, DFA Owen Miller, option Javier Assad

The bullpen reinforcement and infield move add depth while Dansby Swanson remains out with an oblique issue.

Cubs hold the NL's top wild card, 5.0 games clear, and trail Milwaukee by 6.0 games in the NL Central.

Crosstown season series ends tied 3-3 after White Sox hold Cubs to two hits in finale

Cubs return from the Crosstown series having split the season series 3-3 with the White Sox; Cubs checked in on trade-deadline pitching pickups Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes this week.

Crosstown season series ends level at 3-3 with the White Sox

White Sox shut out Cubs 3-0 in series finale, but Chicago still takes series 2-1

Cubs claim infielder Gabriel Arias off waivers from Mets, transfer Phil Maton to 60-day IL

Bregman walks off White Sox again as Cubs sweep second straight Crosstown night, 4-3

It was Chicago's 13th walk-off win at Wrigley this season and 8th straight win over the White Sox at home, following an 88-minute rain delay.

Cubs place Swanson (oblique) and Cabrera (blister) on IL; recall Alcántara, Assad, select Miller

The team expects Swanson back before the playoffs, with Nico Hoerner projected for the bulk of shortstop time in the interim.

Iowa drops finale to Toledo; Knoxville rides nine-run first inning to third straight win

Knoxville's outburst was powered by a three-run homer from Andy Garriola as the Double-A affiliate stays hot.

Crosstown Classic sweep bid vs. White Sox

Wild-card positioning, 4.5 back in division

Cubs Shortstop Dansby Swanson Heads to Injured List with Left Oblique Strain

Swanson is the everyday shortstop for a Cubs team holding the top NL Wild Card position (5.0 GB in the Central, +5.0 WC); losing him for at least the minimum IL stint forces Craig Counsell to shift Nico Hoerner to short and lean on rookie depth during a stretch-run skid against St. Louis.

Cabrera's IL Return Start Goes Sideways as Cardinals Rout Cubs 11-4

The Cubs (72-53) dropped their second straight to St. Louis at Wrigley, with Edward Cabrera's shaky return start compounding an already-thin rotation; the loss is a real speed bump for a team trying to hold off Milwaukee and protect its wild-card cushion.

Cowles' Two Homers Power Iowa, Kepley Leads Knoxville in Cubs Farm Wins

Continued production from Ben Cowles at Triple-A Iowa and Kane Kepley at Double-A Knoxville gives the Cubs depth options they may need to lean on after Sunday's Swanson/Cabrera setbacks at the big-league level.

Cardinals rookie Joshua Baez homers in his first MLB at-bat, Cubs fall 4-8 at Wrigley

Baez's historic three-at-bat power surge sank Chicago; Cubs Insider game recap.

Shelby Miller's rehab comeback reaches Triple-A Iowa

The confirmed transaction contextualized with his surgery recovery and a possible September return.

Triple-A Iowa hit 11 home runs across its series with St. Paul.

North Side Baseball mapped out manager Craig Counsell's late-inning bullpen 'circle of trust' for the stretch run.

Holmes' final line even better than reported: 6.2 IP, 1 hit, as Zeferjahn snuffs 8th-inning threat

Clay Holmes retired the first 16 Cardinals batters faced, finishing 6.2 innings on one hit; Seiya Suzuki added a double to go with his go-ahead three-run homer in a 3-0 win.

Cubs bullpen down to the studs: Palencia, Milner, Hollowell, Hodge all sidelined entering the stretch run

Closer Daniel Palencia has been out roughly two months with a flexor strain; eight total Cubs relievers have spent time on the IL this season.

Weather wipes out Iowa's Friday game as I-Cubs set up doubleheader; Pelicans' Alcantara hits first pro homer

A rainout in Des Moines forces a Saturday doubleheader; Myrtle Beach's Derik Alcantara hit his first career homer in an 11-7 loss to Hill City.

Holmes' final line even better than reported: 6.2 IP, 1 hit, as Zeferjahn snuffs 8th-inning threat

Cubs bullpen down to the studs: Palencia, Milner, Hollowell, Hodge all sidelined entering the stretch run

Weather wipes out Iowa's Friday game as I-Cubs set up doubleheader; Pelicans' Alcantara hits first pro homer

Cubs nearly no-hit by Nationals' Cade Cavalli, four-game win streak snapped

Chicago was held hitless into the 7th inning by Washington's Cade Cavalli in a 7-0 loss, a jarring result the same week the Cubs' offense scored heavily in back-to-back wins; Kevin Gausman allowed 7 runs in 4.2 innings.

Cubs pull within 3 games of Milwaukee for NL Central lead after Brewers' San Diego sweep

Chicago went 4-2 on its recent KC/WSH road trip to close within 3 games of division-leading Milwaukee — the closest gap since late May — even as deadline addition Kevin Gausman had a rough second start.

Shelby Miller strikes out the side in rehab outing at Double-A Knoxville

Miller, uncertain to pitch at all in 2026 after elbow surgery, struck out all three batters he faced in his Aug 12 rehab appearance and remains weeks away from a possible MLB return.

Cubs pulled within 3 games of Milwaukee for the NL Central lead.

Cubs blow out Nationals 12-6, pull to 4.0 games back in NL Central

Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman all homered as Chicago extended its hot stretch; Nico Hoerner is hitting .379 with 12 multi-hit games since the All-Star break. The Cubs hold a 6.5-game Wild Card cushion.

Rehabbing pitchers Edward Cabrera (5 hitless innings, 7 K at Double-A Knoxville) and Jaxon Wiggins (first relief inning, touched 98 mph) point toward a possible September pitching boost; Daniel Palencia's own rehab outing was rockier (4 ER in under 1 inning).

Edward Cabrera's two sharp rehab starts point to imminent rotation return

Cabrera threw five no-hit innings at Double-A Knoxville with his fastball touching 99 mph and a new reverse-slider grip, signaling a potential rotation return as the Cubs chase Milwaukee in the NL Central.

Cubs, Twins both checked in on Blue Jays' José Soriano before the trade deadline

Chicago and Minnesota each pursued Soriano before he went to the Angels; Minnesota's offer reportedly fell short because Toronto wanted the Twins' top pitching prospect.

Rookie Pedro Ramirez emerging as Cubs' utility answer amid Matt Shaw's wrist trouble

Ramirez has posted a 117 wRC+ in 45 games with no experience above Double-A entering the year, positioning him for a possible corner-outfield platoon role as Shaw manages a sprained wrist.

Cubs affiliates split series openers, headlined by an Iowa win at the Field of Dreams

Triple-A Iowa beat the Twins' St. Paul affiliate 6-3 at the Field of Dreams site behind back-to-back homers, while Double-A Knoxville and two lower-level affiliates lost.

Cabrera rehab progress points to rotation reinforcement in the Central race

Shelby Miller hits 96 mph in Iowa rehab outing as Cubs stay cautious with return timeline

Less than 10 months removed from a second UCL/flexor reconstruction, Miller's fastball is back to career-best velocity, a potential bullpen boost for the stretch run.

Caleb Thielbar's reversed platoon splits raise questions about his roster spot

Thielbar, previously death on lefties, has a .281 average against and 6.00 ERA since returning from injury, with a bullpen crunch looming as Milner and Palencia near activation.

Ian Happ hits back-to-back homers, reaches 20 for the season

Happ's power surge comes after being pushed into a platoon with Tyrone Taylor, a sign the Cubs may be regaining their everyday left fielder for the stretch run.

Prospect Ethan Conrad torches Columbia as Cubs affiliates dominate Sunday

The 2025 first-rounder went 10-for-25 with a bases-clearing double and a three-run homer in a 10-1 win, while South Bend's Josiah Hartshorn hit his 13th homer.

Fan voice: North Side Baseball frames Cubs' 6-1 week as proof "Next Year" is now

A walk-off win over Toronto and taking the edge in a Dodgers series have fans reading the front office's deadline aggression as vindicated.

Cubs continue a hot stretch (25-13 since June 25) as they chase Milwaukee in the NL Central.

Cubs rout Royals 10-2, take series in Kansas City

Matthew Boyd improved to 8-1, and Ian Happ and Alex Bregman each had three hits and two RBI as Chicago padded its lead atop the NL Wild Card standings.

Cubs activate Ethan Roberts, begin Shelby Miller's rehab assignment

Roberts was activated from the IL and immediately optioned to Iowa; Miller, working back from major elbow/flexor tendon surgery, hit 96 mph in his own rehab outing and could return to the majors as soon as September.

Royals rout first-place Cubs 6-3 as Clay Holmes gets shelled in his Cubs debut

Jac Caglianone went 4-for-4 with 2 HR against Chicago; Holmes allowed hits/runs in three of his four innings.

Cubs option Braxton Garrett to Iowa again to open a spot for Holmes' activation

Garrett has now been added/optioned three times in under a week as Chicago integrates five deadline arms.

Royals rout first-place Cubs 6-3 as Clay Holmes gets shelled in his Cubs debut

Cubs option Braxton Garrett to Iowa again to open a spot for Holmes' activation

Kevin Gausman set to make Cubs debut tonight at Kansas City

Gausman (5-10, 4.38 ERA with Toronto) was Jed Hoyer's first deadline pickup, acquired for prospects Ty Southisene and Brett Bateman.

Clay Holmes on track to follow Gausman with Saturday Cubs debut

Holmes hasn't pitched since May 15 (fractured fibula); Saturday start pending a clean bullpen session.

Deadline rotation additions debut this weekend during a four-game win streak.