The Cubs started the season 37–22, their best start since their2016World Series-winning season.[1] On September 17, the Cubs clinched their first playoff berth since2020 and their first playoff appearance in a non-shortened season since2018 after sweeping thePittsburgh Pirates.[2] The Dodgers clinched theNL West division with a win on September 25, assuring that the Cubs would face theSan Diego Padres in theNational League Wild Card Series.[3] They finished the regular season 92–70, five games behind theMilwaukee Brewers in the division.[4]
In the Wild Card Series, the Cubs won their first playoff series since2017 by defeating the Padres in three games.[5] As a result, they advanced to theDivision Series where they played the top-seeded Brewers in the firstI-94 rivalry matchup in the postseason history, losing the series 3–2.[6]
TheCubs finished the2024 season 83–79 to finish in a tie for second place in the NL Central division, 10 games behind theMilwaukee Brewers.[7] It marked the fourth consecutive season where they did not make the playoffs.
On October 1, 2024, the Cubs fired hitting coachJim Adduci, first base coachMike Napoli, and bullpen coachDarren Holmes.[8] On November 2, the team announced that they had promoted the team's Minor League hitting instructor, Dustin Kelly, to hitting coach.[9] On December 6, the Cubs named Jose Javier the team's first base coach.[10] On December 9 , the team announcedMark Strittmatter would be the bullpen coach. They also namedQuintin Berry third base coach and Casey Jacobson as assistant pitching coach.[11]
Designated RHPAdbert Alzolay and OFBrennen Davis for assignment. Selected the contract of 3B Benjamin Cowles fromKnoxville Smokies. Selected the contract of OF Owen Caissie from Iowa.
Signed Free agent RHP Anhuar Garcia to a minor league contract.
December 16
Signed free agents LHP Darlin Ventura, OF Jahni McPhee, RHPs Jubrayker Salaya, Jose Urena, Geovanny Villarroel, and Anthony Feliz to minor league contracts.
Traded RHP Michael Arias to New York Yankees for cash. Signed free agent SS Julio Acosta, C Jose Carrillo, OF Jeury Ramirez, SS Alexander Herrera, LHP Angel Sanmartin, RHP Erick Hernandez, SS Juan Tomas, RHP Salvador Burgos, SS Juan Cabada, OF Fernando Lara, P Roni Dias, RHP Amilkar Romero, SS Wilfri De La Cruz, SS Luis Santos, C Victor Garcia, OF Saul Ramirez, LHP Angel Gonzalez, OF Luis Sanchez, RHP Johansel Javier, C Abraham Sanchez, OF Breyner Figuereo, RHP Ariel Ramos, SS Luis Abreu, LHP Carlos Barrientos, LHP Frankelly Desis, SS Luis Maldonado, RHP Rafael Merchan, RHP Chaily Ramirez, RHP Jider Corpas, SS Elerick Gomez, and OF Freiker Betencourt to minor league contracts.
January 16
Signed free agent SS Luis Santos to a minor league contract.
January 19
Signed free agent RHP Trevor Richards and C Reese McGuire to minor league contracts.
January 28
Traded RHP Juan Bello to Houston Astros for RHPRyan Pressly. Signed free agent IFJon Berti.
Traded a player to be named later toLos Angeles Dodgers for RHPRyan Brasier. Signed free agent RHP A.J. Puckett to a minor league contract. Designated LHPRob Zastryzny for assignment.
February 7
Invited non-roster C Carlos Pérez, 2B James Triantos, RHP Brandon Birdsell, CF Brett Bateman, RHP Ben Heller, RHP Phil Bickford, RHP Brooks Kriske, RHP Antonio Santos, 2B Matt Shaw, RHP Cade Horton, 3B Jonathon Long, LHP Riley Martin, C Moisás Ballesteros, LF Christian Franklin, C Reese McGuire, C Pablo Aliendo, and RHP Trevor Richards to spring training. Signed free agent LHP Brandon Hughes and 2B Nicky Lopez to minor league contracts and invited to spring training.
February 10
Signed free agent RHP Brayden Spears to a minor league contract.
February 11
Sent LHP Rob Zastryzny outright to Iowa.
February 12
Signed free agent IF Dixon Machado to a minor league contract.
February 14
Signed free agent IF Jaylen Palmer to a minor league contract.
February 20
Signed free agent IFJustin Turner. Designated OF Alexander Canario for assignment. Assigned LF Christian Olivo, RHP Kenten Egbert, RHP Nolan Clenney, RF Ivan Brethowr, SS Dixon Machado, RHP Cayne Ueckert, RHP Sam Armstrong, 3B Chase Strumpf, SS Reginald Preciado, RF Parker Chavers, and RHP Zac Leigh to Chicago Cubs.
February 21
OFPete Crow-Armstrong changed number to 4. Assigned 1B Haydn McGeary assigned to Chicago Cubs, RHP Robert Kwiatkowski, 2B Hayden Cantrelle, RHP A.J. Puckett, RHP Wil Jensen, C Casey Opitz RHP Brad Deppermann, RHP Nick Hull, and RHP Tyler Santana toChicago Cubs.
February 22
Assigned SS Cristian Hernandez assigned to Chicago Cubs, RHP Connor Schultz, C Miguel Pabo, LHP Mitchell Tyranski, 3B BJ Murray Jr., and RHP Chris Kachmar to Chicago Cubs.
February 23
Assigned CF Greg Allen to Chicago Cubs.
February 24
Signed free agent OFTravis Jankowski to a minor league contract and invited to spring training.
February 25
Traded OF Alexander Canario toNew York Mets. Assigned RHP Yovanny Cabrera to Chicago Cubs.
February 26
Optioned OFOwen Caissie to Iowa. Assigned SS Eriandys Ramon to Chicago Cubs.
February 27
Assigned OF Jordan Nwogu and SS Jose Escobar to Chicago Cubs.
February 28
Assigned RHP Connor Noland, C Ariel Armas, 1B Edgar Alvarez, SS Angel Cepeda, and C Ethan Hearn to Chicago Cubs.
Optioned RHP Cody Poteet, RHP Gavin Hollowell, RHP Jack Neely, and RHP Caleb Kilian to Iowa. Assigned LHP Jeff Belge, OF Felix Stevens, LF Joan Delgado, SS Yahil Melendez, SS Ed Howard, LF Andy Garriola, and SS Ty Southisene to Chicago Cubs.
March 3
Released LHP Jeff Beige.
March 4
Signed free agent RHP Yency Almonte to a minor league contract.
March 5
Signed free agent RHPs Jackson Kirkpatrick and RHP Ethan Bell to minor league contracts.
March 6
Assigned RHP Sam Thoresen to Chicago Cubs
March 7
Optioned LHP Luke Little and RHPEthan Roberts to Iowa.
March 9
Optioned IF Ben Cowles to Iowa.
March 10
Assigned RF Darius Hill to Chicago Cubs.
March 11
Assigned RHP Yenrri Rojas, C Caleb Knight, and RHP Carlo Reyes to Chicago Cubs.
March 12
Released OF Travis Jankowski. Optioned OF Kevin Alcántara to Iowa.
March 23
Assigned RHP Joe Nahas and LHP Chase Watkins to Chicago Cubs.
March 24
Assigned 1B William Simoneit and RHP Ben Johnson to Chicago Cubs.
March 25
Assigned RF Rafael Morel, C Carter Trice, and SS Pedro Ramirez to Chicago Cubs.
February 28 – The Cubs announced thatNico Hoerner would not make the trip toJapan for the season opener as he was still recovering from surgery performed near the end of the prior season.[18]
March 18 – The Cubs opened the season with atwo-game series inTokyo, Japan against the defending World ChampionLos Angeles Dodgers. The games were played atTokyo Dome.[19] Shota Imanaga pitched four scoreless innings, but walked four.Miguel Amaya doubled in the second to give the Cubs a 1–0 lead.Ben Brown relieved Imanaga in the fifth and promptly gave up three runs. The Dodgers added an insurance run in the ninth as the Cubs lost 4–1.[20]
March 19 – In game two in Tokyo,Justin Steele allowed five runs in four innings of work.Kyle Tucker drove in his first run as a Cub on bases loaded walk in the third, whileIan Happ andDansby Swanson each drove in a run. However, it was not enough as the Cubs allowed three homers in the game and lost to the Dodgers 6–3.[21]
March 27 – The Cubs returned to the United States to face theArizona Diamondbacks inPhoenix for game three on the season on March 27. Miguel Amaya doubled twice and drove in five runs while Ian Happ homered and drove in three runs. Justin Steele allowed three runs in five innings of work to earn the win. The Cub bullpen allowed three runs, but it was enough as the Cubs held on to win 10–6, marking their first win of the season.[22]
March 28 – In game two against the D-Backs,Jameson Taillon allowed six runs in six innings. The Cub offense only managed one run as the Cubs were blown out 8–1.[23]
March 29 – Shota Imanaga allowed one run in seven innings of work and left with a 3–1 lead onKyle Tucker's first homer as a Cub.Matt Shaw added a pinch-hit homer in the eighth, his first career home run, as the Cubs went to the ninth leading 4–1. New closerRyan Pressly gave up a two-run homer in the ninth and Arizona had the tying run at second beforeDansby Swanson made a great defensive play to end the game. The win moved the Cubs to 2–3 on the season.[24]
March 30 – In the finale of the series in Arizona,Matthew Boyd threw five scoreless innings. Dansby Swanson,Seiya Suzuki, and Kyle Tucker homered for the Cubs to give them a 6–2 lead going to the bottom of the eighth. In the eighth, three Cub relievers allowed eight runs as the Diamondbacks rallied to win 10–6.[25]
March 31 – The Cubs next traveled to face theAthletics for the first major league game at the A's temporary stadium,Sutter Health Park, inWest Sacramento, California. Ben Brown allowed three runs in five innings of work while the Cub bullpen held the A's scoreless. That was more than enough for the offense as the Cubs scored 18 runs to win 18–3.Carson Kelly hit for the cycle, becoming the first Cub to do so sinceMark Grace in1993. Kyle Tucker had four hits including a homer asMichael Busch and Dansby Swanson also homered in the win. Busch drove in four runs while Kelly drove in five in the win. The win moved the Cubs to 3–4 on the season.[26]
April 1 – Justin Steele allowed four runs in 6.2 innings of work and the Cub bullpen again combined to hold the A's scoreless. Seiya Suzuki hit a three-run homer in the first and Kyle Tucker added a solo shot in the third, his fourth straight game with a home run.Justin Turner got his first hit as a Cub and drove in a run as the Cubs beat the A's 7–4. Ryan Pressly allowed one hit in the ninth, but held on to earn his second save of the season.[27]
April 2 – In the finale of the series against the A's, Seiya Suzuki homered twice and drove in five runs. Matt Shaw had two hits and drove in two runs as the Cubs won again 10–2. Jameson Taillon allowed two runs in six innings and the Cub bullpen again did not allow a run for the win. The Cubs moved to 5–4, the first time over .500 on the season.[28]
April 4 – After an off day, the Cubs had their home opener atWrigley Field against the undefeatedSan Diego Padres. Shota Imanaga pitched 7.1 innings of scoreless ball while Justin Turner and Nico Hoerner drove in a run to give the Cubs a 3–1 lead in the ninth. Ryan Pressly allowed two baserunners, but was able to get out of the jam without allowing a run as the Cubs won. Ian Happ had two hits and scored two runs in the win.[29]
April 5 – In game two against the Padres, Carson Kelly homered and drove in four runs while Matthew Boyd threw six scoreless innings. The Cub bullpen gave up only one run as the Cubs won their fifth straight game 7–1.[30]
April 6 – In the finale of the three-game series, the Cubs took a 7–3 lead after two innings on the strength of a Kyle Tucker home run. However, the Cub offense failed to add on and the Padres tied the game in the eighth. In the ninth, an error by first baseman Justin Turner allowed the go-ahead run to score as the Cubs lost 8–7. Ben Brown allowed five runs in four innings of work in the loss. The loss dropped the Cubs to 7–5 on the season.[31]
April 7 – The 8–2Texas Rangers next visited Wrigley Field. In a game where temperatures were in the 30s, Justin Steele pitched seven scoreless innings. The Cub offense scored seven runs and the team ran wild on the bases, stealing five. Ian Happ drove in three runs in the easy 7–0 win.[32]
April 8 – In the second game against the Rangers, Jameson Taillon allowed three runs in six innings. Taillon left the game with a 6–3 lead on a homer and sacrifice fly by Dansby Swanson. Two-RBI singles by Seiya Suzuki and Niko Hoerner gave the Cubs the lead. However, the Cub bullpen quickly squandered the lead allowing three runs in the seventh. With the game tied in the eighth, Swanson drove in two more runs on a single while Pete Crow Armstrong did the same. Ryan Pressly pitched the ninth to complete the 10–6 win. The win marked the team's seventh in eight games and moved them to 9–5 on the season.[33]
April 9 – In the finale of the series against the Rangers, Shota Imanaga allowed five runs, four of them in the fifth inning, as the Cubs lost 6–2. Seiya Suzuki and Michael Bush each drove in a run in the loss.[34]
April 11 – After an off day, the Cubs faced the Dodgers inLos Angeles. Matthew Boyd threw six innings and allowed three runs while the Cub bullpen held the Dodgers at three. The Cub offense could not push across a run as they lost 3–0.[35]
April 12 – Ben Brown allowed five hits, but no runs in six innings of work. The Cubs led by two entering the seventh on a Michael Busch homer and an RBI single by Justin Turner. However, the Cubs scored five in the seventh, four in the eighth, and five more in the ninth to blow the game open and win 16–0 over the Dodgers. Bush had four hits and drove in four runs while Carson Kelly homered twice and drove in three. Seiya Suzuki left the game in the fifth with an injury. The win moved the Cubs to 10–7 on the season.[36]
April 13 – Pete Crow-Armstrong homered twice while Michael Busch also homered on Sunday Night Baseball against the Dodgers. Prior to the game, the Cubs disclosed that Justin Steele would miss the rest of the season and would require arm surgery.Colin Rea got the start for the Cubs and allowed only one run in 3.2 innings of work. Six Cub relievers allowed only one more run as the Cubs won 4–2. The win kept the Cubs in first place in the Central division standings.[37]
April 14 – With Carson Kelly and Seiya Suzuki still unable to play, the Cubs took the lead against the Padres inSan Diego on a Michael Busch two-run homer and a Pete Crow-Armstrong RBI double. Jameson Taillon pitched 5.1 innings while allowing two runs. The Cub bullpen imploded, however, surrendering eight runs as the Cubs lost 10–4.[38]
April 15 – Shota Imanaga allowed one run, an unearned run on a homer byManny Machado, after two fly balls were dropped in foul territory by Kyle Tucker andGage Workman. The Cubs tied it in the sixth on a sacrifice bunt by Pete Crow-Armstrong. The game remained tied into the 10th, when Nico Hoerner led off the inning with a triple to score theManfred runner.Caleb Thielbar pitched a scoreless bottom of the 10th to secure the 2–1 win. The win ended the Padres 12-game home winning streak and move the Cubs 12–8 on the season.[39]
April 16 – In the finale against the Padres, Matthew Boyd allowed two runs in 5.1 innings of work. The Cub bullpen surrendered two more runs as the Cubs lost 4–2. Carson Kelly and Seiya Suzuki returned to the lineup for the Cubs while Pete Crow-Armstrong homered in the game, his third on the road trip and third of the season.[40] With the loss, the Cubs remained one game ahead of theMilwaukee Brewers in the Central division standings.
April 18 – After an off day, the Cubs welcomed the Diamondbacks to Wrigley for a three-game series. Colin Rea allowed only one run on five hits in 4.2 innings and the Cubs held a 2–1 lead going into the bottom of the seventh. In the seventh, Ian Happ hit a grand slam and Michael Bush drove in a run to give the Cubs a 7–1 lead that appeared to put the game out of reach. However, the Diamondbacks answered in the eighth asEugenio Suárez hit a grand slam as part of a 10-run inning to give the D-Backs an 11–7 lead. In the bottom of the eighth, Carson Kelly hit his second homer of the game, a three-run shot, to bring the score to 11–10. Kyle Tucker gave the Cubs the lead three batters later with a two-run homer and Seiya Suzuki added a solo home run to push the lead to 13–11. The 16 runs in an inning were the most in any inning in Wrigley Field history. Ryan Pressly pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.[41]
April 19 – Ben Brown pitched four innings while walking four, allowing three hits, and one run. Kyle Tucker and Michael Busch drove in runs in the bottom of the first to give the Cubs a 2–1 lead. Another RBI by Tucker and back-to-back homers by Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch pushed the lead to 6–1. The Cub bullpen surrendered only one run as they notched their 14th win of the season.[42]
April 20 – In the finale of the series onEaster Sunday, the game was delayed twice by rain. Jameson Taillon allowed one run in five innings and the Cubs only managed one run on a Michael Busch RBI single. With the game tied at one in extra innings, both the Diamondbacks and Cubs scored the Manfred runner in the 10th. In the 11th, The D-Backs also scored the Manfred runner to push the lead to 3–2. In the bottom of the 11th, Ian Happ lined into a double play and Kyle Tucker flied out as the Cubs lost 3–2. The loss dropped them to 14–10 on the season with a one-game lead in the division.[43]
April 22 – After an off day, the Dodgers visited for a brief two-game series. Shota Imanaga allowed five runs, two earned, in 5.2 innings. Trailing by three in the bottom of the first, the Cubs scored five runs to take the lead on RBI base hits by Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Miguel Amaya. Crow-Armstrong hit a two-run homer in the fifth and the Cubs led 7–5 after six innings. The Dodgers retook the lead in the seventh, scoring five runs to take a 10–7 lead. In the eighth, Kyle Tucker hit a two-run homer to narrow the lead to one. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Amaya hit a home run into the basket in left field to tie the game. The Cubs prevented the Manfred runner from scoring in the 10th and Ian Happ singled to score the winning run on the first pitch of the bottom of the 10th to give the Cubs the 11–10 win.[44]
April 23 – In the finale of the season series against the Dodgers, the Cubs fell behind 2–0 before Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a three-run homer in the 4th to give the Cubs a 3–2 lead. The Dodgers retook the lead in the fifth, but the Cubs answered in the bottom of the fifth, scoring three runs on a sacrifice fly by Nico Hoerner and RBI singles by Dansby Swanson and Crow-Armstrong. The Dodgers narrowed the lead to one in the sixth, but the Cub bullpen held them scoreless for the final three innings as the Cubs won 7–6. The four RBIs were a career-high for Crow-Armstrong. The win moved the Cubs to 16–10 on the season and gave them a 2.5 game lead in the division.[45]
April 25 – After an off day, thePhiladelphia Phillies came to Chicago to face the Cubs. The start of the game was delayed more than two hours due to rain. Colin Rea pitched five scoreless innings and the Cub bullpen shut out the Phillies for the remainder of the game. With the wind blowing in, the Cubs pushed across four runs for the 4–0 win.[46]
April 26 – In the second game of the series against the Phillies, Ben Brown allowed six runs, all in the fourth, as the Cubs were blown out 10–4. Seiya Suzuki drove in three runs in the loss which dropped the Cubs to 17–11 on the season.
April 27 – In the finale of the series against the Phillies, Jameson Taillon allowed only one run in seven innings. The Cubs only managed one run on a Pete Crow-Armstrong RBI double and the game went to extras innings tied at one.Julian Merryweather walked three in the 10th and gave up a sacrifice fly to give the Phillies a 2–1 lead. Another run scored whenVidal Bruján did not hurry a throw to first whichTrea Turner beat out to push the lead to 3–1. The Cubs failed to score in the 10th and lost their second straight game.[47]
April 29 – After an off day, the Cubs travelled toPittsburgh to play thePirates. Shota Imanaga pitched five scoreless innings, but left in the sixth with leg cramps. Meanwhile, the Cubs pounded out nine runs on four homers as they beat the Pirates 9–0. Carson Kelly had three hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs.[48]
April 30 – Matthew Boyd allowed five runs in five innings, but left with a 3–2 lead on RBIs by Ian Happ and Kyle Tucker. A wild pitch scored Happ in the fifth to give the Cubs the lead. In the seventh, a ball that ricocheted off the leg of a diving Dansby Swanson scored two runs as the Pirates rallied to win 4–3. The loss dropped the Cubs to 18–13 on the season and was their third loss in four games.[49] During the game, a man fell from the outfield seats on to the warning track which resulted in a delay in play as medical teams were on the field to care for the man.[50]
May 1 – In the finale of the three-game series against the Pirates, the Cubs trailed 2–0 entering the fifth. The Cubs hit three solo home runs off Pirate pitcherPaul Skenes in the fifth – homers by Dansby Swanson, Kyle Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki – to take a 3–2 lead. Suzuki homered again in the seventh, a two-run shot, to push the lead to 5–2. The Cubs added to the lead in the ninth to win 8–3.[51]
May 2 – The Cubs traveled toMilwaukee, Wisconsin to face theBrewers for the first time. The Cubs jumped out to an early 2–0 lead in the first and then added seven runs in the second. Michael Busch hit his first career grand slam while Pete Crow-Armstrong homered twice in the blowout. Ben Brown andChris Flexen combined to shut out the Brewers 10–0. The win moved the Cubs to 20–13 on the season.[52]
May 3 – In game two against the Brewers, Jameson Taillon allowed two runs in six innings. With the game tied at one in the fourth, Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a three- run homer and Dansby Swanson followed with a solo home run to give the Cubs the lead. The Cubs held to win 6–2 and move a season-high eight games over .500 on the season.[53]
May 4 – Shota Imanaga allowed two runs and left the game in the sixth inning with a hamstring issue. Julian Merryweather allowed two runs to score in just 1/3 of an inning in relief as the Cubs were shut out 4–0. The loss left the Cubs three games ahead of the Reds in the Central division.[54]
May 5 – TheSan Francisco Giants next came to Wrigley to face the Cubs. Ian Happ hit a two-run homer in the third, but Matthew Boyd surrendered the lead in the top of the fourth. The Cubs retook the lead in the bottom of the fourth on a two-RBI single by Dansby Swanson. Carson Kelly homered as part of a five-run sixth to blow the game open. Boyd allowed just the two runs in six innings and the Cub bullpen shut out the Giants as the Cubs won 9–2.[55] The win moved the Cubs to 22–14 on the season, four games ahead of the Brewers and Reds in the division.
May 6 – In game two against the Giants, Colin Rea allowed five runs in five innings as the Cubs fell behind 5–3. Still trailing by the same score in the bottom of the ninth, the Cubs rallied to tie the game on an RBI pinch-hit single by Justin Turner and an RBI single by Kyle Tucker. In the 10th, both teams failed to score their Manfred runner. Ryan Pressly started the 11th and allowed five hits and nine runs without getting an out. As a result, the Cubs lost 14–5.[56]
May 7 – In the finale of the series against the Giants, Ben Brown allowed three runs in five innings. However, the Cub offense managed only one run as they lost 3–1.[57] The loss dropped the Cubs 22–16 on the season, but they remained three games ahead of second place in the division.
May 9 – After an off day, the Cubs traveled toCiti Field in New York to face theMets. Jameson Taillon allowed six runs, five earned in four innings of work. Kyle Tucker and Michael Busch hit solo home runs for the Cubs, but they lost 7–2.[58]
May 10 – In game two against the Mets, the Cubs used anopener to ease top prospectCade Horton's MLB debut. Horton entered in the second inning with the Cubs ahead 2–0 on RBI singled by Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson. The Cubs pushed the lead to 4–0 with an RBI single by Michael Busch in the third and a Swanson solo home run in the fourth. Horton allowed a three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to narrow the lead. Miguel Amaya drove in two runs in the eighth to restore the lead to three before Julian Merryweather allowed a two-run homer. However, Porter Hodge pitched the ninth for the save as the Cubs won 6–5.[59]
May 11 – In the finale of the series in New York, Matthew Boyd allowed two runs in six innings, but left trailing 2–1 on the strength of a Pete Crow-Armstrong homer. A Nico Hoerner double in the seventh tied the game at two. However Porter Hodge allowed three runs in the eighth as the Cubs lost 6–2. The loss dropped the Cubs to 23–18 with a one-game lead in the division.[60]
May 12 – Returning to Wrigley to face theMiami Marlins, Colin Rea pitched six scoreless innings before allowing a two-run home run in the seventh. Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki each hit a two-run homer in the fifth as the Cubs won 5–2.[61]
May 13 – Ben Brown pitched 5.1 innings and allowed two runs. Pete Crow-Armstrong homered in the third inning and drove in another run on a sacrifice fly in the fifth to tie the game at two. Julian Merryweather allowed two runs in the seventh and the Cubs entered the bottom of the ninth trailing 4–2. Nico Hoerner singled to score a run and narrow the lead to one before Justin Turner hit a walk-off two-run double to give the Cubs the 5–4 comeback win. The win moved the Cubs to 25–18 on the season and moved them 1.5 games ahead in first place in the division.[62]
May 14 – In the finale of the series against the Marlins, Jameson Taillon allowed three solo home runs while the Cubs only run came on a solo home run by Seiya Suzuki. That was all the scoring as the Cubs lost 3–1.[63]
May 16 – After an off day, the Cubs faced their crosstown rival, theChicago White Sox, at Wrigley. Cade Horton, making his first official start, gave up two runs in the first before the Cubs scored six in the second to take the lead for good. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a three-run homer and drove in a career-high six runs. Seiya Suzuki and rookieMoisés Ballesteros each drove in two as the Cubs blew out the White Sox 13–3. The win moved the Cubs to 26–19 on the season.[64]
May 17 – In game two against the White Sox, Pete Crow-Armstrong drove in two more runs on two hits while Dansby Swanson hit his 10th home run of the season. Matthew Boyd allowed three runs in six innings as the Cubs won 7–3. Miguel Amaya also drove in two runs in the win.[65]
May 18 – In the final game of the three-game series against the White Sox, Colin Rea allowed one run in 5.1 innings of work. Seiya Suzuki drove in two runs while the Cubs pounded out 10 hits. The Cub bullpen allowed only one run in 3.2 innings of work and the Cubs swept the White Sox, winning 6–2. The win moved the Cubs to 28–19 on the season and pushed their lead to two games in the division.[66]
May 19 – The Cubs next traveled toMiami, Florida to face the Marlins. The Cubs fell behind early as Ben Brown allowed two runs in the first. Miguel Amaya gave the Cubs the lead in the fourth with a three-run home run. The Marlins retook the lead off of Brown by scoring four in the fifth. The Cubs rallied again in the sixth, scoring four runs on an infield single by Moisés Ballesteros, a two-run double by Amaya, and a double by Matt Shaw. The Cubs held the lead at 7–6 into the ninth beforeDaniel Palencia allowed a two-run triple with two outs as the Marlins won 8–7.[67]
May 20 – The Cubs took an early lead on a solo home run by Kyle Tucker and blew the game open with eight runs in the sixth as they routed the Marlins 14–1. Jameson Taillon allowed one run in seven innings of work for the win. Seiya Suzuki homered and drove in four runs while both Tucker and Suzuki had three hits in the game. The win moved the Cubs back to nine games over .500 and gave them a two-game lead in the division.[68]
May 21 – In the finale of the series against the Marlins, Cade Horton allowed only one run in 5.1 innings and the Cub bullpen held the Marlins scoreless. Kyle Tucker homered in the first and singled to score the winning run in the eighth as the Cubs won 2–1.[69]
May 23 – After an off day, the Cubs visited theCincinnati Reds atGreat American Ball Park. Matthew Boyd allowed four runs in the first four innings and Julian Merryweather allowed two more in 2/3 of an inning. With the Cubs trailing 6–2 in the seventh, Kyle Tucker drove in a run with a single and Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a grand slam to give the Cubs an 8–6 lead. Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson added homers as the Cubs won 13–6. Crow-Armstrong hit two homers in the game and drove in six runs in the win. The win moved the Cubs 31–20 on the season.[70]
May 24 – In game two against the Reds, Colin Rea allowed six runs in five innings. Justin Turner and Carson Kelly each hit a home run, but it was not enough as the Cubs lost 6–4.[71]
May 25 – In the series finale against the Reds, the Cubs again trailed, falling behind 8–3 as Ben Brown struggled in 4.1 innings. However, once again the Cubs rallied, scoring one in sixth, one in the seventh, and taking the lead on newly-acquiredReese McGuire's second home run of the game in the eighth. Seiya Suzuki followed with a three-run homer to give the Cubs the 11–8 win.[72]
May 26 – The Cubs returned to Wrigley for a three-game series against theColorado Rockies, holders of the worst record in baseball. Jameson Taillon struck out seven in 6.1 innings while allowing only one run onMemorial Day. Kyle Tucker drove in two and Dansby Swanson drove in a run on a groundout as the Cubs won 3–1.[73]
May 27 – The Cubs took a 2–0 lead in the third, but the Rockies tied it in the seventh. The game remained tied after nine innings. In the 10th, neither team could score the Manfred runner. In the 11th, The Rockies took the lead on a groundout, but the Cubs rallied in the 11th as Michael Busch drove in the tying run. Matt Shaw got the game-winning single to score the 4–3 win. The win moved the Cubs to 34–21 with a three-game lead in the division.[74]
May 28 – In the series finale against the Rockies, Matthew Boyd allowed only one run in six innings. Seiya Suzuki notched his baseball-leading 51st RBI in the first on a run-scoring double. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his 15th home run of the season in the fourth to give him 50 RBI on the season as the Cubs won 2–1. The series sweep moved the Cubs to a season high 14 games over .500.[75]
May 30 – After an off day, the Reds came to town for a three-game series. Michael Busch and Matt Shaw each recorded an RBI, but Colin Rea allowed six runs, including three home runs. For the first time on the season, the Cubs lost the opening game of series at Wrigley Field, losing 6–2.[76]
May 31 – In game two against the Reds, the Cubs eased Ben Brown into the game to try alleviate recent struggles by havingDrew Pomeranz open the game. Brown entered in the second and recorded nine strikeouts in six innings while allowing no runs. Seiya Suzuki doubled to score a run in the eighth and Dansby Swanson legged out an infield hit with the bases loaded later in the inning to give the Cubs 2–0 win.[77]
June 1 – In the finale of the series against the Reds, Michael Busch had three hits, including a two-run homer while Nico Hoerner drove in two with a bases loaded double. Jameson Taillon pitched 6.1 innings while allowing only two runs as the Cubs won 7–3. The win moved the Cubs a season-high 15 games over .500 (37–22) and left them with a four-game lead in the division.[78]
June 3 – After an off day, the Cubs traveled toWashington, D.C. to play theNationals. Cade Horton allowed three runs in 5.1 innings of work as the Cubs trailed early 3–1. However, an RBI single by Michael Busch followed by sacrifice flies by Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson, Swanson's second sacrifice fly of the game, gave the Cubs the 4–3 lead in the fourth. A bases loaded walk by Busch in the fifth followed by a Nico Hoerner bases loaded double pushed the Cub lead to 7–3. Three Cub relievers combined to shut out the Nationals for the remainder of the game and Busch added a solo home run as the Cubs won 8–3.[79]
June 4 – In game two against the Nationals, Matthew Boyd pitched seven scoreless innings before allowing two runs in the eighth. The Cubs failed to score a run and lost 2–0.[80]
June 5 – In the series finale against the Nationals, Pete Crow-Armstrong homered in the first to give the Cubs a 2–0 lead. Using an opener again, Colin Rea entered in the second and pitched 5.1 scoreless innings. Ian Happ also homered for the Cubs and drove in four runs as the Cubs won 7–1.[81] The win moved the Cubs to 16 games over .500 at 39–23, the best record in the National League.
June 6 – A day later, the Cubs, holders of the second best record in baseball, visited theDetroit Tigers atComerica Park to face the team with the best record. Ben Brown worked seven innings, striking out seven, but allowed two runs, including a home run in the bottom of the sixth. Kyle Tucker drove in the only Cub run in the game with a double in the sixth and the Tigers added another run in the eighth to win 3–1.[82]
June 7 – In game two against the Tigers, the Cubs slammed five home runs to win 6–1. Seiya Suzuki hit two while Michael Busch, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Matt Shaw also homered. Jameson Taillon allowed one run in seven innings in the win. The win moved the Cubs to 40–24 on the season with a four-game lead in the division.[83]
June 8 – In the series finale against the Tigers, Cade Horton allowed four runs while the Cub offense was held scoreless. The Cubs managed only four hits in the game and lost 4–0. Craig Counsell was ejected from the game after Nico Hoerner was also ejected for arguing balls and strikes.[84]
June 9 – The Cubs next travelled toPhiladelphia to face the Phillies, losers of five in a row and nine of their last 10. Matthew Boyd allowed two runs, one unearned on error committed by Boyd, and allowed eight hits in six innings. Kyle Tucker homered in the first, but the Cubs trailed 2–1 in the eighth before Ian Happ homered to tie the game. In extra innings, neither team managed a run in the 10th before Pete Crow-Armstrong drove in the Manfred runner in the top of the 11th. Daniel Palencia, pitching his second inning of relief, allowed a single to the first batter to tie the game before back-to-back bunt singles loaded the bases. Craig Counsell was ejected for the second consecutive game for arguing whether the Phillies' runner was out of the baseline. Palencia allowed the game-winning single to the next batter despite the Cubs using five infielders as the Cubs lost 4–3.[85]
June 10 – In game two against the Phillies, the Cubs slugged three home runs, one each by Dansby Swanson, Ian Happ, and Michael Busch, but trailed 4–3 after five innings. However, Happ hit his second homer of the game, a two-run shot, to give the Cubs the lead in the sixth. The Cubs extended the lead in the eighth on RBI hits by Reese McGuire, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki to secure the 8–4 win.[86] The Cubs' division lead increased to five as they moved to 41–26 on the season.
June 11 – In the final game of the season against the Phillies, Ben Brown surrendered six runs in 5.2 innings as the Cubs lost 8–2. Pete Crow-Armstrong was out of the lineup for rest, marking the first game he had missed during the season.[87]
June 12 – The Cubs returned to Wrigley to face the Pirates for a four-game series. In the first game, Jameson Taillon allowed only two runs in 6.1 innings of work. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a two-run homer and Seiya Suzuki added a solo shot as the Cubs held on for the 3–2 win. The win moved the Cubs back to 15 games over .500 on the season.[88]
June 13 – In game two, Cade Horton pitched 5.2 scoreless innings as he matched Paul Skenes's five scoreless innings for the Pirates. The Pirates took the lead in the eighth on a fielder's choice, but the Cubs quickly tied it in the bottom of the eighth also on a fielder's choice. In the 10th, the Pirates pushed across the Manfred runner for a 2–1 lead while the Cubs failed to score in the bottom half of the inning.[89] The loss dropped the Cubs to 42–28 on the season.
June 14 – Ian Happ hit a sacrifice fly in the third and Dansby Swanson homered in the sixth to give the Cubs a 2–1 victory over the Pirates. Matthew Boyd only allowed one run in six innings in the win.[90]
June 15 – In the finale against the Pirates, both teams scored two runs in the first, but didn't score again as the game went to extra innings. In the 10th, the Pirates failed to score. Ian Happ singled to right to drive in the winning run as the Cubs won three of four from the Pirates. All four games in the series were decided by one run. The win moved the Cubs to 44–28 on the season, 5.5 games ahead of Milwaukee in the division.[91]
June 17 – After an off day, the Cubs began a three-game series with the second place Brewers at Wrigley. Ben Brown allowed a two-run home run in the first, but no other runs in five innings of work. Matt Shaw drove in a run in the second to narrow the lead to one. In the bottom of the fifth, Seiya Suzuki hit a three-run homer, his 18th on the season, to give the Cubs a 4–2 lead. The Brewers narrowed the lead to one in the sixth before Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a 452-foot home run of the video board in right field in the eighth inning to make the score 5–3. Daniel Palencia pitched the ninth to secure the win.[92]
June 19 – After a rainout the day before, Jameson Taillon pitched four innings and allowed five runs whileGénesis Cabrera allowed three runs in an inning of relief against the Brewers. Home runs by Pete Crow-Armstrong, his 20th on the season, and Dansby Swanson left the Cubs trailing 8–3 in the seventh. A two-run homer by Ian Happ in the seventh and a fielder's choice groundout and infield hit in the eighth drew the Cubs to within one at 8–7. However, despite a walk to leadoff the bottom of the ninth, the Cubs could not tie it and lost 8–7. The loss dropped the Cubs to 45–29 on the season.[93]
June 20 – TheSeattle Mariners arrived in Chicago for a three-game series. In game one, Matthew Boyd allowed only two runs in five innings. However, Ryan Pressly and Caleb Thielbar each allowed two run as the Cubs lost 9–4. Reese McGuire and Ian Happ homered for the Cubs in the loss.[94]
June 21 – On an extremely windy day, Cade Horton allowed six runs, only three earned, in 4.2 innings. However, four Cub relievers allowed only one additional run. Ian Happ hit two home runs while Kyle Tucker and Peter Crow-Armstrong also homered for the Cubs. Happ had four RBI while Michael Busch drove in three as the Cubs beat the Mariners 10–6.[95]
June 22 – In the finale against the Mariners, home runs for both teams continued as Colin Rea allowed seven runs in 5.1 innings. Reese McGuire and Kyle Tucker homered for the Cubs and Seiya Suzuki homered twice. However, Suzuki also committed two errors in right field at the Cubs were blown out 14–6. The win dropped the Cubs to 46–31 on the season with a 3.5 game division lead.[96]
June 23 – The next day, the Cubs faced theSt. Louis Cardinals atBusch Stadium. Ben Brown allowed four two-run homers, all to left-handed batters, as the Cubs were blown out 8–2. Carson Kelly and Justin Turner had RBI for the Cubs as they lost their fourth game in their previous five. Their division lead fell to 3.5 games as a result.[97]
June 24 – In game two against the Cardinals, Jameson Taillon gave up eight runs in four innings of work while the Cub bullpen held the Cardinals scoreless. Kyle Tucker drove in two runs on a single before Seiya Suzuki hit a three run shot to give the Cubs the lead. The Cardinals rallied with six in the fourth inning to go ahead by three. Nico Hoerner hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the sixth to draw the Cubs within one at 8–7. The Cubs could not push across another run and lost 8–7, their fifth loss in six games.[98]
June 25 – Ian Happ hit a home run on the first pitch of the game and the Cubs led throughout, winning 8–0. Reese McGuire and Kyle Tucker also homered as the Cubs blew out the Cardinals. Matthew Boyd and three relievers combined for the shutout ending the Cubs three-game losing streak.[99]
June 26 – In the finale of the four-game series against the Cardinals, Shota Imanaga pitched for the first time since May 4 as the Cubs again shutout the Cardinals. Michael Busch homered and Ian Happ drove in a run with a bases loaded walk in the 3–0 win. Imanaga pitched five scoreless innings while walking one and allowing only one hit The win moved the Cubs back to 15 games over .500 at 48–33. The Cubs lead in the division moved back to three games.[100]
June 27 – The Cubs next traveled to Houston to play the Astros for a three-game series. In game one, Cade Horton allowed seven runs in four innings and left with the Cubs trailing 7–0. Nico Hoerner homered and Matt Shaw drove in three runs, but it was not enough as the Cubs lost 7–4.[101]
June 28 – In game two against the Astros, the Cubs scored one run in the first on a bases loaded walk, but trailed 2–1 entering the fourth. In the fourth, Michael Busch and Nico Hoerner hit back-to-back solo home runs to give the Cubs the lead. Kyle Tucker hit a three-run homer while Ian Happ and Pete Crow Armstrong each drove in a run as the Cubs scored seven runs in the inning. Seiya Suzuki added a two-run home run in the eighth as the Cubs won easily 12–3.[102]
June 29 – In the finale against the Astros, the Cubs were shut out 2–0 as Jameson Taillon allowed a two-run homer in the fifth. The loss dropped the Cubs to 49–35 on the season, two games ahead of the Brewers in the division.[103]
July 1 – After a scheduled off day, the Cubs returned to Wrigley Field to face theCleveland Guardians. Matthew Boyd pitched seven innings, allowing only two runs. Carson Kelly had two doubles and drove in three runs while Seiya Suzuki hit his 23rd home run of the season. Daniel Palencia pitched a perfect ninth to nail down the 5–2 win.[104]
July 2 – In the second game against the Guardians, the Cubs fell behind 3–0 as Shota Imanaga surrendered three solo home runs in the first three innings. However, the Cubs retook the lead after scoring five runs in the third and fourth innings. Daniel Palencia allowed an unearned run in the ninth, but the Cubs held on for the 5–4 win. Seiya Suzuki drove in three runs in the win while Pet Crow-Armstrong also drove in two. The win moved the Cubs to 51–35 on the season.[105] Prior to the game, it was announced the Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker had been named starters for theAll-Star Game.[106]
July 3 – The series finale against the Guardians was scoreless through nine innings as Cade Horton pitched seven scoreless innings. The Cub bullpen also shut out the Guardians through nine. In the 10th, the Guardians were unable to score the Manfred runner and a sacrifice fly from Matt Shaw scored the winning run as the Cubs completed the sweep of the Guardians.[107]
July 4 – The Cardinals next came to Wrigley Field for a three-game series. On theFourth of July, the Cubs set a franchise record for most home runs in a game with eight as they blew out the Cardinals. Michael Busch hit three of the homers while Pete Crow-Armstrong homered twice. Carson Kelly, Seiya Suzuki, and Dansby Swanson also homered in the game. Collin Rea pitched 6.2 innings while allowing only one run on one hit. The win was the Cubs fourth straight, moving them to 53–35 on the season.[108]
July 5 – In game two against the Cardinals, Michael Busch, Ian Happ, and Carson Kelly hit home runs to give the Cubs a 5–3 lead. However, Brad Keller allowed five runs in the eighth inning as the Cubs lost 8–6. The game was a bullpen game for the Cubs as the Cubs announced the projected starter for the game, Jameson Taillon, would miss significant time due to a calf injury,[109]
July 6 – In the final game against St. Louis, newly-announced All-Star Matthew Boyd pitched five scoreless innings. Seiya Suzuki homered and Kyle Tucker drove in three runs as the Cubs routed the Cardinals 11–0. The win moved the Cubs back to 18 games over .500 at 54–36 and kept their division lead at four games.[110]
July 8 – After an off day, the Cubs travelled to face the Minnesota Twins atTarget Field. Shota Imanaga allowed two runs in the first inning, but pitched five scoreless innings after that. However, the Cubs were held scoreless until Justin Turner hit his 200th career home run in the ninth. Porter Hodge allowed six runs while getting only one out in the eighth as the Cubs lost 8–1.[111]
July 9 – In game two against the Twins, Cade Horton allowed four runs in 4.2 innings. The Cub offense struggled again, scoring only two runs, as they lost 4–2. The loss reduced their division lead over the Brewers to 1.5 games.[112]
July 10 – In the finale against the Twins, Colin Rea pitched seven innings while allowing only one run. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit two homers, drove in three runs, and scored three runs as the Cubs beat the Twins easily 8–1. Michael Busch added two RBI as the Cub offense pounded out 14 hits. The Cubs moved to 55–38 on the season and ended their two-game losing streak.[113]
July 11 – The Cubs next travelled toThe Bronx to face theYankees for the final series before the All-Star break. In game one, former CubCody Bellinger hit three home runs against his former team and another would-be home run robbed by Kyle Tucker. The Cub offense was blanked, failing to score a run as they were blown out 11–0.[114]
July 12 – In the second game against the Yankees, Matthew Boyd pitched eight scoreless innings. Carson Kelly homered and drove in two as the Cubs held on for a 5–2 win.[115]
July 13 – In the final game before the break, Shoto Imanaga allowed only one hit, a solo home run, as the Cubs beat the Yankees 4–1. Dansby Swanson hit a two-run homer while Michael Busch, batting leadoff for the first time, homered on the second pitch of the game. The win moved the Cubs to 18 games over .500 with a one-game lead over the Brewers in the division at the All-Star break.[116]
July 18 – After the All-Star break, the Cubs began a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox, who had won 10 games in a row. In game one, Seiya Suzuki hit a three-run homer in the first and Nico Hoerner drove in a run in the sixth as the Cubs beat the Red Sox 4–1. Colin Rea allowed one run in five innings as the Cubs ended Boston's winning streak.[117]
July 19 – In game two against the Red Sox, Shoto Imanaga pitched seven scoreless innings as the Cubs held the Red Sox scoreless in the game. The Cub offense smashed five home runs as Michael Busch and Kyle Tucker led off the bottom of the first with back-to-back homers. Matt Shaw hit a pinch-hit homer in the eighth and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ went back-to-back in the eighth as the Cubs won 6–0. The win moved the Cubs to 59–49 on the season, 20 games over .500, and gave them the best record in baseball.[118]
July 20 – In the finale against the Red Sox, Cade Horton pitched 5.2 scoreless innings and led with a 1–0 lead on an Ian Happ RBI single. However, the Cub bullpen blew the lead as Ryan Pressly allowed two runs, Drew Pomeranz allowed three and Ethan Roberts allowed one. The 6–1 loss dropped the Cubs into a tie in the division with the Brewers who won their 10th straight game.[119]
July 21 – The Cubs next played the Kansas City Royals at Wrigley Field. Carson Kelly homered and Matt Shaw hit a three-run homer in the fourth to give the Cubs a short-lived lead. The Cubs used an opener before newly-recalled Ben Brown entered the game in the second. Brown surrender seven runs, six earned in four innings. The Cub bullpen again struggled, allowing an additional five runs as the Cubs were blow out 12–4. The loss dropped the Cubs to 59–41 on the season as they fell one game behind the Brewers in the division.[120]
July 22 – Matthew Boyd pitched seven scoreless innings while the Cub offense pushed across six runs without a home run. Carson Kelly, Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Matt Shaw all had RBI in the 6–0 shutout of the Royals. The win combined with a Brewers loss put the Cubs into a tie atop the division.[121]
July 23 – In the final game against the Royals, Colin Rea allowed six runs in five innings. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw homered for the Cubs, but it was not enough as they lost 8–4. The loss coupled with a Brewers win again dropped the Cubs to one game out of the division lead.[122]
July 25 – After an off day, the Cubs faced their crosstown rival, the Chicago White Sox. Shota Imanaga allowed seven runs in three innings while the relief pitcher Chris Flexen surrendered four runs in two innings as the Cubs were blown out 12–5. Reese McGuire homered and drove in four runs in the loss.[123]
July 26 – In game two, the game remained scoreless until the seventh when Ian Happ homered to give the Cubs a 1–0 lead. Matt Shaw followed with a two-run homer as the Cubs won easily 6–1. Cade Horton pitched 6.1 scoreless innings for the win. The win coupled with a Brewers loss put the Cubs back into a first-place tie in the division.[124]
July 27 – In the finale of the season series against the White Sox, Pete Crow-Armstrong drove in two runs as the Cubs took a 5–1 into the eighth. A Sox three-run homer in the eighth cut the lead to one, but Daniel Palencia came in to earn a four-out save as the Cubs won 5–4. Ben Brown allowed only one run in five innings in the win. The win moved the Cubs 62–43 on the season, tied for the best record in the NL with the Brewers who remained tied for the division lead.[125]
July 28 – With the division lead on the line, the Cubs traveled to face the Brewers for a three-game series. In game one, the Cubs scored three runs in the first on only two hits to take an early lead. However, Matthew Boyd struggled, allowing five runs on six hits and walking five in five innings. The Cub bullpen allowed three more runs as the Cubs lost 8–4.[126]
July 29 – In game two against the Brewers, Collin Rea allowed four runs on eight hits in eight innings. Ryan Pressly allowed a grand slam in the sixth as the Cubs were blown out 9–3. The Cubs committed three errors in the game that led to two unearned runs. The loss dropped the Cubs two games behind the Brewers in the division.[127]
July 30 – In the finale of the series against the Brewers, Shota Imanaga allowed three runs in five innings of work. Michael Busch and Ian Happ homered for the Cubs while newly-recalled Moisés Ballesteros hit a bases loaded double to score three. Kyle Tucker also drove in two runs as the Cubs won easily 10–3. Pete Crow-Armstrong added three hits and scored two runs in the win that moved the Cubs to 63–45 on the season and back to within one game of the Brewers in the division.[128]
August 1 – After an off day, the Cubs returned to Wrigley to face theBaltimore Orioles. Cade Horton allowed only two hits and no runs in five innings of work. The Cub bullpen, including newly-acquiredAndrew Kittredge, shut out the Orioles for the remainder of the game. Ian Happ drove in the only run of the game on a sacrifice fly in the second as the Cubs won 1–0.[129]
August 2 – Matthew Boyd pitched seven scoreless innings and left with a 3–0 lead over the Orioles. However, the Cub bullpen surrendered four runs in the eighth as the Cubs lost 4–3. The loss dropped the Cubs two games behind the Brewers in the division.[130]
August 3 – Colin Rea pitched 4.2 innings while allowing two runs against the Orioles in the series finale. Dansby Swanson gave the Cubs the lead in the sixth with an RBI single. However, in the top of the ninth, Daniel Palencia allowed the tying run to score with two outs. In the bottom of the ninth, Justin Turner hit a pinch-hit, two-run, walk-off home run to give the Cubs the 5–3 win. The Cubs moved to 65–46 on the season, the second best record in baseball, but were still two games behind division-leading Milwaukee.[131]
August 4 – Newly-acquiredMichael Soroka got the start for the Cubs against the visiting Reds. Soroka allowed a solo home run in the first before leaving after two innings with discomfort in his right shoulder. Dansby Swanson hit a two-run homer in the third to give the Cubs a 2–1 lead. However, the Red tied it in the sixth and took the lead in the seventh. The Cubs could not muster another run as they lost 3–2. Combined with a Brewers' win, the Cubs dropped three games out of first.[132]
August 5 – In the second game against the Reds, Shota Imanaga allowed only one run and left with the game tied at one in the seventh. Andrew Kittredge allowed four runs in in 1/3 of an inning as the Cubs lost 5–1. The loss dropped the Cubs four games behind the Brewers in the division.[133]
August 6 – In the finale of the series against the Reds, Cade Horton pitched 5.2 scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and no walks. In the seventh, Andrew Kittredge struck out the side on nine pitches for animmaculate inning.[134] Seiya Suzuki homered and drove in two runs while Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson also homered to give the Cubs the 6–1 win. The win moved the Cubs to 66–48 on the season.[135]
August 8 – After an off day, the Cubs played the Cardinals in St. Louis. Matthew Boyd allowed three runs in five innings while the Cub offense could not score a run as they lost 5–0. The loss dropped the Cubs five games behind the Brewers.[136]
August 9 – In game two against the Cardinals, Colin Rea allowed only one run in six innings. The Cub offense finally woke up, scoring nine runs at they won easily 9–1. Michael Busch homered and drove in three while Matt Shaw also homered and drove in two in the win. The win moved the Cubs to 67–49 on the season, remaining five games behind the Brewers.[137]
August 10 – After the game was delayed an hour by torrential rain, Shota Imanaga allowed a two-run homer in the third to give the Cardinals an early lead. Matt Shaw homered for the second straight game in the fifth to tie the game at two. Imanaga allowed a run-scoring single in the seventh as the Cubs failed to score another run and lost 3–2. The loss dropped the Cubs six games behind the division-leading Brewers.[138]
August 12 – After an off day,Javier Assad made his first start of the year against theToronto Blue Jays after coming off the injured list. Assad allowed four runs in four innings as the Cub offense continued to struggle. Michael Busch drove in the only run for the Cubs as they lost 5–1. The loss pushed the Cubs 7.5 games out of the division lead, likely ending any real chance at winning the division. In the wild card race, the Cubs remained the first wild card seed with a 3.5 game lead over the last wild card spot.[139]
August 13 – In game two against the Blue Jays, Cade Horton allowed only one run in 5.1 innings of work while striking out a career-high eight batters. Michael Busch and Matt Shaw each hit a solo home run to give the Cubs a 2–0 lead. Miguel Amaya, making his first start since returning from the injured list, was carted off the field after falling when he beat out an infield single. The Cubs notched two insurance runs in the eighth to give them the 4–1 win.[140]
August 14 – In the finale of the series against the Blue Jays, Matthew Boyd and the Jays'Max Scherzer limited both offenses in a pitcher's duel. The Cubs took the lead in the sixth on a solo homer by Michael Busch. The Blue Jays took the lead in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run homer byVladimir Guerrero Jr. The Cubs put runners on second and third with no outs in the top of the eighth, but Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, and Carson Kelly struck out to end the threat. In the ninth, Nico Hoerner singled, but Willi Castro and Dansby Swanson struck out to end the game. The loss dropped the Cubs to 68–52 on the season.[141]
August 15 – Returning to Wrigley to face the Pirates, Colin Rea allowed only one run in five innings. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw each drove in a run as the game was tied at two in the ninth. However, Daniel Palencia surrender a home run in the top of the ninth as the Cubs lost 3–2.[142]
August 16 – In game two against the Pirates, Shota Imanaga allowed only one run in seven innings. The Cub offense continued to struggle as Imanaga left with the game tied at one. In the eighth, Seiya Suzuki and Nico Hoerner each drove in a run to give the Cubs a 3–1 lead. Brad Keller pitched a scoreless ninth to give the Cubs the win. The win moved the Cubs to 69–53 on the season.[143]
August 17 – In the final game of the season against the Pirates, the Cubs took an early 1–0 lead on an Ian Happ single. Javier Assad allowed one run in four innings before Ben Brown allowed two runs in 2.2 innings. Carson Kelly tied the game at three in the sixth before Dansby Swanson drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth. Andrew Kittredge pitched a perfect ninth to give the Cubs the 4–3 win. The Cubs moved to 70–53 on the season and back to within eight games of the Brewers in the division. They remained 4.5 games ahead of the final wild card spot.[144]
August 18 – The Cubs next began a five-game series against the Brewers at Wrigley. In game one of a day-night doubleheader, Cade Horton allowed one run in 2.2 innings before leaving with a blister issue. The Brewers pushed their lead to 3–0 in the sixth before scoring four in the eighth to blow out the Cubs 7–0.[145] The second game of the doubleheader was rained out and scheduled as a doubleheader for the next day.[146]
August 19 – In game one of the doubleheader, rookieOwen Caissie homered and drove in three runs while Willi Castro hit his first homer as a Cub, a three-run shot in the third. Matthew Boyd allowed four runs in 5.1 innings, but the Cub bullpen shutout the Brewers as they held on for the 6–4 win.[147] In the second game of the doubleheader, Jameson Taillon came off the injured list and pitched six innings while allowing only one run. Caissie drove in another run in the second to tie the game. Michael Busch gave the Cubs the lead in the second on a double and Nico Hoerner pushed the lead to two runs in the fifth with a single. Busch drove in another run in the sixth on a fielder's choice following a Matt Shaw triple and the Cub bullpen again held the Brewers scoreless. The 4–1 win gave the Cubs the sweep of the doubleheader and brought them within seven games of the Brewers in the division.[148] Kyle Tucker, who had been struggling since the All-Star break, sat out both games of the doubleheader.[149]
August 20 – In game four against the Brewers, Colin Rea allowed one run in the second before Michael Busch hit a double with the bases loaded to give the Cubs a 3–1 lead. Matt Shaw homered in the eighth to give the Cubs a 4–2 lead entering the ninth. Daniel Palencia allowed one run, but got a lineout with the bases loaded to hold on for the save. The win moved the Cubs to 73–54 on the season, six games behind Milwaukee in the division and remained 5.5 games ahead of the final wild card spot.[150]
August 21 – In the final game of the season against the Brewers, Shota Imanaga allowed a two-run home run in the top of the second. That was enough for the Brewers to win as the Cubs only managed one run, losing 4–1.[151]
August 22 – The Cubs next travelled to face theLos Angeles Angels in Anaheim. Kyle Tucker hit his first homer in more than a month to give the Cubs a 1–0 lead. Seiya Suzuki added a sacrifice fly in the third to give the Cubs a 2–0 lead. Javier Assad pitched well, allowing only one run in six innings. Andrew Kittredge allowed a run in the seventh and the game entered the ninth tied. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a solo homer in the ninth and Daniel Palencia pitched a perfect bottom half of the inning to give the Cubs the 3–2 win.[152]
August 23 – In game two against the Angels, Kyle Tucker homered twice and drove in five runs. Reese McGuire hit a grand slam in the fourth and drove in another run in the seventh to notch five RBI as well. Cade Horton pitched six scoreless innings as the Cubs blew out the Angels 12–1.[153]
August 24 – In the final game of the series, Jameson Taillon allowed only one run in five innings and left with a 4–1 lead. Four Cubs each drove in a run including Kyle Tucker who continued to hit the ball well. With the lead 4–3 in the ninth, Daniel Palencia gave up a single and a walk, but struck out the side as the Cubs won. The win moved the Cubs to a season-high 21 games over .500 on the season. They moved to five games behind the Brewers and nine games up in the wild car race.[154]
August 26 – After an off day, the Cubs faced the Giants inSan Francisco. Matthew Boyd allowed five runs in 5.1 innings and the Cub offense managed only two runs and lost 5–2.[155]
August 27 – In game two, the Cubs took a lead in the second on a three-run homer by Nico Hoerner. However, Colin Rea allowed seven runs in 4.2 innings and the Cub bullpen, including catcher Reese McGuire, surrendered five more runs as the Cubs were blown out 12–3.[156]
August 28 – In the finale of the series against the Giants, Shota Imanaga allowed two home runs and three runs in seven innings of work. Dansby Swanson and Michael Busch homered for the Cubs, but the game remained tied in the ninth before Daniel Palencia allowed three hits to drive in the winning run for the Giants as the Cubs lost 4–3.[157] The Cubs fell to 76–58 on the season, 6.5 game behind the Brewers and four games up on the final wild card spot.
August 29 – The Cubs traveled toDenver to face the Rockies for a three-game series. Dansby Swanson hit two homers and drove in six runs as the Cubs took a 9–2 lead. Cade Horton allowed two runs in five innings, but the Cub bullpen allowed five runs to narrow the lead. It was not enough at the Cubs held on for an 11–7 win. Michael Busch and Ian Happ also homered for the Cubs in the win.[158]
August 30 – In game two against the Rockies, Javier Assad allowed three runs in six innings and the Cub bullpen blanked the Rockies. RBI by Carson Kelly, Michael Tucker, Ian Happ, and Nico Hoerner were enough as the Cubs won 4–3. The win moved the Cubs to 78–58 on the season, 10 games ahead of the Reds in the wildcard race.[159]
August 31 – In the finale of the series against the Rockies, Matthew Boyd allowed four runs in six innings. Porter Hodge allowed a run in the seventh as the Cubs fell behind 5–2. Ian Happ hit a three-run homer in the eighth to tie it, but Daniel Palencia surrendered the winning run in the ninth as the Cubs lost 6–5.[160]
September 1 – The Cubs returned home to face theAtlanta Braves onLabor Day. Colin Rea allowed three runs in four innings and Taylor Rogers allowed three more in the fifth as the Cubs fell behind 6–1. However, newly-acquired pitcherAaron Civale pitched three scoreless innings of relief. Matt Shaw drove in a run in the fifth and Dansby Swanson drove in two in the sixth to narrow the lead to 6–4. In eighth, Carson Kelly hit a game-tying two-run homer. The game went to extra innings and Kelly drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th to give the Cubs the 7–6 win. The win moved the Cubs to 79–59 on the season.[161]
September 2 – In game two against the Braves, Kyle Tucker hit a three-run homer in the third to give the Cubs a 3–0 lead. Ian Happ drove in a run later in the inning to move the lead to four. Shota Imanaga allowed two home runs as the Braves narrowed the score to 4–3. However, the Cub bullpen shut out the Braves to secure the win.[162]
September 3 – In the finale of the series against the Braves, Cade Horton pitched five scoreless innings. However, the Cub bullpen surrendered five runs as the Cubs lost 5–1.[163]
September 5 – After an off day, the Cubs faced the Nationals for a three-game series. Dansby Swanson and Reese McGquire homered early for the Cubs as they took a 6–0 lead after two. Jaiver Assad allowed four runs in 5.1 innings, but the Cub bullpen surrendered only one more run. Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ also homered as the Cubs won 11–5.[164]
September 6 – Matthew Boyd allowed only two runs in seven innings of work, but the Cub offense only managed one run as they lost 2–1.[165]
September 7 – In the final game of the season against the Nationals, Carson Kelly homered twice as the Cubs took a 3–1 lead into the ninth. Daniel Palencia allowed a three-run homer, part of five runs allowed by Palencia without getting an out, to blow the save. The 6–3 loss dropped the Cubs to 81–62 on the season.[166]
September 8 – The Cubs travelled toAtlanta to face the Braves. Shota Imanaga allowed three runs in six innings and the Cub offense mustered only one run as they lost 4–1.[167] The loss left the Cubs 7.5 games behind the Brewers in the division and eight games up on the final wild card spot.
September 9 – Cade Horton allowed only one run in 6.1 innings while three relievers shutout the Braves. Pete Crow-Armstrong drove in two early runs to give the Cubs a 2–1 lead. Dansby Swanson drove in a run with a bases-loaded walk in the eighth and Matt Shaw broke the game open with a bases-clearing single. The 6–1 win moved the Cubs to 82–63 on the season, guaranteeing their third straight winning season.[168]
September 10 – In the final game against the Braves, Carson Kelly homered while Justin Turner and Seiya Suzuki also drove in runs. Jameson Taillon allowed two runs in 4.1 innings, but the Cub bullpen shut out the Braves for the remainder of the game as the Cubs won 3–2.[169]
September 12 – Returning to Wrigley after an off day, the Cubs faced theTampa Bay Rays. Matthew Boyd allowed four runs in five innings, but the Cub offense pushed across six runs for the 6–4 win. Ian Happ homered and drove in two runs while four other Cubs drove in a run. The win moved the Cubs to 84–63 on the season.[170]
September 13 – On a day dedicated to the retirement of former Cub starAnthony Rizzo, Colin Rea allowed three runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings and left the game tied at three. Michael Busch gave the Cubs the lead in the seventh with a homer, but the Cub bullpen allowed a solo homer in the eighth and the ninth to the Rays as the Cubs lost 5–4.[171]
September 14 – In the finale of the series against the Rays, Shota Imanaga allowed two home runs in the first, but held the Rays scoreless over the next four innings. Three Cub relievers also shut out the Rays while Nico Hoerner drove in three runs and Ian Happ homered to give the Cubs the 4–3 win.[172]
September 15 – The Cubs travelled to Pittsburgh for a three-game series. In game one, Jameson Taillon pitched six scoreless innings while the Cub bullpen also shut out the Pirates. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch homered for the Cubs in the 4–0 win. The win moved the Cubs magic number to clinching a playoff spot to three as they moved nine games ahead of the last wild card spot. The win also moved the Cubs to 22 games over .500 for the first time at 86–64 on the season.[173]
September 16 – In game two against the Pirates, Cade Horton out-dueledCy Young Award favorite Paul Skenes, allowing only one run in five innings. Four relievers combined to shut out the Pirates for the remainder of the game. Michael Busch homered while Pete Crow-Armstrong drove in two runs in the 4–1 win. The win moved the Cubs to a season-high 23 games over .500 and reduced their magic number to make the playoffs to one.[174]
September 17 – In the final game of the season against the Pirates, the Cubs took an early 4–0 lead on a two-run homer by Ian Happ and a solo shot by Moisés Ballesteros. However, Matthew Boyd allowed four runs in three innings to allow the Pirates to tie the game. However, Aaron Civale and three relievers shut out the Pirates for the final six innings. Meanwhile, Justin Turner drove in two runs while Ian Happ drove in another as the Cubs pulled away for an 8–4 win. The win moved the Cubs to 24 games over .500 and clinched the team's first playoff berth since theCOVID-shortened season of 2020.[175]
September 18 – The Cubs travelled to Cincinnati to face the Reds in a four-game series. In the first game, Colin Rea allowed only one run in seven innings, but the Cubs were shut out 1–0.[176]
September 19 – In game two, Shota Imanaga allowed four runs in five innings while Porter Hodge allowed three runs in one inning of relief. Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw homered for the Cubs, but it was not enough as the Reds won 7–4.[177]
September 20 – Javier Assad allowed two runs in four innings and the Cub bullpen allowed four more as the Cubs lost to the Reds 6–3. Michael Busch and Reese McGuire homered for the Cubs in the loss.[178]
September 21 – In the season finale against the Reds, Jameson Taillon gave up only one run in seven innings. However, the Cubs failed to score again and were shut out 1–0. The loss was the Cubs fourth straight since clinching a playoff spot. The Cubs remained eight games ahead of the final wild card spot and three games ahead of the second wild card spot with one week left in the regular season.[179]
September 23 – After an off day, the Cubs returned home to face the Mets. The Cubs jumped to an early 6–1 lead after four innings. However, Cade Horton was forced to leave the game after only three innings with back tightness. The Cub bullpen imploded, quickly allowing the Mets to tie the game at six and then take a 7–6 lead in sixth inning. Seiya Suzuki drove in a run in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game, but Caleb Thielbar allowed a two-run homer in the eighth as the Cubs lost their fifth straight game since clinching a playoff spot.[180]
September 24 – In game two against the Mets, the Cubs again took an early lead, scoring five in the third and one in the fourth. The Mets narrowed the lead to 6–2 in the top of the fifth, but the Cubs scored four more runs in the next two innings and held on for a 10–3 win. Michael Busch and Matt Shaw each homered while Ian Happ drove in two runs in the win. The win moved the Cubs 2.5 games ahead of the Padres in the race for the top wild card spot.[181]
September 25 – In the finale against the Mets, Shota Imanaga allowed eight runs in 5.2 innings and left with the Cubs trailing 8–2. Seiya Suzuki hit two homers and drove in four runs while Dansby Swanson also homered, but it was not enough as the Cubs lost their sixth game in their previous seven.[182] Prior to the game, the Dodgers clinched the NL West guaranteeing the Cubs would face the Padres in the first round of the playoffs.[3]
September 26 – In the first game of the final series of the regular season, the Cubs blew out the Cardinals 12–1. Pete Crow-Armstrong homered for the Cubs, marking his 30th of the season and making him the second Cub ever to join the30-30 club. Seiya Suzuki hit a grand slam and drove in five runs while Nico Hoerner also homered. The win moved the Cubs magic number for clinching home field advantage in the wild card series to one.[183]
September 27 – The next day, Michael Busch homered twice while Seiya Suzuki homered for the fourth time in five games. Pete Crow-Armstrong also homered as the Cubs beat the Cardinals 7–3. The win meant the Cubs would host the wild card series against the Padres.[184] Prior to the game, the Cubs announced that likely starter for the wild card series, Cade Horton, was placed on the 15-day IL, meaning he would not pitch in the wild card series.[185]
September 28 – In the regular season finale, Seiya Suzuki homered again and three Cub pitchers shut out the Cardinals to complete the three-game sweep. The win moved the Cubs' record to 92–70.[186]
Activated IF Vidal Bruján from 10-day IL. Recalled LHPLuke Little and RHP Daniel Palencia from Iowa. Optioned IF Matt Shaw and RHPNate Pearson to Iowa. Placed RHPEli Morgan on 15-day IL.
April 16
Signed RHP Caleb Kilian to a minor league contract.
April 18
Recalled LHP Jordan Wicks from Iowa. Optioned LHP Luke Little to Iowa.
Optioned RHP Gavin Hollowell to Iowa. Selected the contract of Drew Pomeranz from Iowa. Signed free agent IFNicky Lopez. Designated IF Gage Workman for assignment. Transferred LHP Justin Steel to 60-day IL.
Placed LHPShota Imanaga on 15-day IL. Recalled RHP Gavin Hollowell from Iowa.
May 8
Signed free agent RHP Dawson Netz to a minor league contract.
May 9
Placed LHPCaleb Thielbar on paternity list. Recalled LHP Tom Cosgrove from Iowa. Signed free agent RHPTommy Romero to a minor league contract.
May 10
Optioned LHP Tom Cosgrove to Iowa. Selected the contract of RHPCade Horton from Iowa. Transferred RHP Eli Morgan to 60-day IL.
May 12
Activated LHP Caleb Thielbar from paternity list. Optioned RHP Gavin Hollowell to Iowa.
May 13
Placed OFIan Happ on 10-day IL retroactive to May 10. Transferred RHP Tyson Miller to 60-day IL. Selected the contract of CMoisés Ballesteros from Iowa.
May 16
Signed free agent RHPKenta Maeda to a minor league contract.
May 19
Designated IF Nicky Lopez for assignment. Recalled IF Matt Shaw from Iowa.
May 20
Activated OF Ian Happ from 10-day IL. Placed RHPPorter Hodge on 15-day IL retroactive to May 18. Recalled RHP Ethan Roberts from Iowa. Optioned C Moisés Ballesteros to Iowa.
May 21
Sent IF Nicky Lopez outright to Iowa.
May 22
Signed free agent CReese McGuire to a minor league contract.
May 23
Optioned RHP Ethan Roberts to Iowa. Signed free agent RHP Fleury Soriano to a minor league contract. Activated RHP Ryan Brasier from 15-day IL.
Signed free agent RHPBen Heller to a minor league contract.
June 5
Activated RHP Tyson Miller from 60-day L. Designated RHP Tyson Miller for assignment. Signed free agent RHPJake Woodford to a minor league contract. Sent RHP Brooks Kriske outright to Iowa.
June 10
Signed free agent OFGreg Allen and C Sammy Sass to minor league contracts.
June 11
Sent RHP Tyson Miller outright to Iowa.
June 12
Signed free agent RHPs Usef Hanania and Anderson Rivera to minor league contracts.
June 19
Signed free agent C Miguel Useche to a minor league contract.
June 21
Designated LHP Génesis Cabrera for assignment. Recalled RHP Nate Pearson from Iowa.
June 23
Sent LHP Génesis Cabrera outright to Iowa. Selected the contract of RHPMichael Fulmer from Iowa. Optioned RHP Nate Pearson to Iowa.
June 24
Activated RHP Porter Hodge from 15-day IL. Optioned RHPBen Brown to Iowa.
June 26
Activated Shota Imanaga from 15-day IL. Designated RHP Michael Fulmer for assignment.
Signed free agent RHPRyan Jensen to a minor league contract.
July 4
Placed RHPJameson Taillon on 15-day IL. Recalled LHP Jordan Wicks from Iowa.
July 9
Placed RHP Porter Hodge on the 15-day IL. Recalled RHP Ethan Roberts from Iowa.
July 12
Optioned LHP Jordan Wicks to Iowa. Selected the contract of Brooks Kriske from Iowa. Signed free agent RHPSpencer Turnbull to a minor league contract.
July 21
Recalled RHP Ben Brown from Iowa. Optioned RHP Ethan Roberts to Iowa. Signed OF Kade Snell, LHP Colton Book, OF Kane Kepley, RHP Dominick Reid, RHP Eli Jerzembeck, C Justin Stransky, OF Ethan Conrad, RHP Noah Edders, LHP Pierce Coppola, and RHP Jake Knapp.
July 22
Signed free agent RHPZach Pop to minor league contract.
July 24
Signed RHP Kaemyn Franklin, RHP Freddy Rodriguez, OF Josiah Hartshorn, RHP Connor Spencer, C Logan Poteet, RHP Nate Williams, RHP Connor Knox, and RHP Kaleb Wing.
July 25
Signed free agent IF Jose Silva and RHP Braylon Myers to minor league contracts. Signed RHP Riely Hunsaker.
July 29
Designated RHP Chris Flexen for assignment. Recalled RHP Gavin Hollowell from Iowa.
July 30
Recalled C Moisés Ballesteros from Iowa. Designated IFVidal Bruján for assignment. Activated RHP Porter Hodge from IL and optioned to Iowa.
Activated OF Willi Castro, LHP Taylor Rogers, and RHP Andrew Kittredge. Optioned C Moisés Ballesteros and RHP Gavin Hollowell to Iowa.
August 2
Activated RHP Michael Soroka. Designated RHP Brooks Kriske for assignment.
August 3
Released RHP Chris Flexen.
August 5
Placed RHP Michael Soroka on 15-day IL. Recalled RHP Nate Pearson from Iowa.
August 7
Signed free agent OFForrest Wall to a minor league contract.
August 11
Optioned RHP Nate Pearson to Iowa.
August 12
Activated C Miguel Amaya and RHP Javier Assad from 60-day IL. Designated IFJon Berti for assignment.
August 13
Released IF Jon Berti.
August 14
Placed C Miguel Amaya on 10-day IL. Recalled OFOwen Caissie from Iowa.
August 18
Optioned RHP Javier Assad to Iowa. Recalled RHP Gavin Hollowell and LHP Luke Little from Iowa.
August 19
Optioned RHP Gavin Hollowell and LHP Luke Little to Iowa. Recalled LHP Tom Cosgrove from Iowa. Activated Jameson Taillon from 15-day IL.
August 22
Recalled RHP Javier Assad from Iowa. Placed RHP Ryan Brasier on 15-day IL.
August 23
Optioned RHP Javier Assad to Iowa. Recalled LHP Jordan Wicks from Iowa.
August 28
Placed RHP Jameson Taillon on 15-day IL retroactive to August 25. Recalled RHP Javier Assad from Iowa.
August 31
Claimed RHPAaron Civale off waivers from Chicago White Sox. Recalled RHP Porter Hodge from Iowa. Optioned LHP Jordan Wicks to Iowa. Designated LHP Tom Cosgrove for assignment.
Signed free agent 1BCarlos Santana. Activated RHP Aaron Civale from 15-day IL. Recalled OFKevin Alcántara from Iowa. Optioned OF Owen Cassie to Iowa. Designated IFBen Cowles for assignment. Signed free agent RHPJoe Ross to a minor league contract.
September 3
Sent LHP Tom Cosgrove outright to Iowa.
September 8
Placed RHP Daniel Palencia on 15-day IL. Recalled RHP Ethan Roberts from Iowa.
September 9
Place OF Kyle Tucker on 10-day IL retroactive to September 6. Recalled C Moisés Ballesteros from Iowa.
September 10
Activated RHP Jameson Taillon from 15-day IL. Optioned RHP Ethan Roberts to Iowa.
September 13
Recalled OF Owen Caissie from Iowa. Optioned OF Kevin Alcántara to Iowa.
September 13
Placed OF Owen Cassie on 7-day concussion IL.
September 14
Recalled OF Kevin Alcántara from Iowa.
September 15
Activated RHP Michael Soroka from 15-day IL. Optioned RHP Ben Brown to Iowa.
September 20
Optioned RHP Porter Hodge to Iowa. Recalled LHP Jordan Wicks from Iowa. Activated RHP Eli Morgan from 60-day IL. Designated RHP Nate Pearson for assignment.
September 21
Released RHP Nate Pearson.
September 24
Activated RHP Daniel Palencia from 15-day IL. Optioned LHP Jordan Wicks toACL Cubs.
September 26
Activated OF Kyle Tucker from 10-day IL. Optioned 1B Carlos Santana to ACL Cubs.
September 27
Placed RHP Cade Horton on 15-day IL retroactive to September 25. Recalled LHP Jordan Wicks from ACL Cubs.
The Padres announced thatNick Pivetta would be their starter for game one[194] whileMatthew Boyd was named the starter for the Cubs.[195] Boyd allowed one run in the second on back-to-back doubles by the Padres. However, a diving stop byDansby Swanson with a runner on third and no one out in the inning kept the lead at 1–0. The Cubs got out of the inning without any further runs. Boyd walked a batter in the fourth and gave up a single, but was able to get out of the inning without allowing another run. With one out in the fifth, he allowed another single before being lifted from the game, butDaniel Palencia was able to get the final two outs of the inning.Seiya Suzuki kept up his hot hitting, homering in the fifth to tie the game at one. The homer was his sixth in the previous five games.Carson Kelly followed with a home run to give the Cubs a 2–1 lead in the sixth.Nico Hoerner added a sacrifice fly in the eighth to extend the lead to 3–1. Four Cub relivers combined to pitch 4.1 innings of perfect relief, retiring all 15 batters they faced to seal the 3–1 win. The win marked the Cubs first postseason win since2017 and gave the Cubs a 1–0 lead in the best-of-three series.[196]
The Cubs chose to startAndrew Kittredge as an opener in game two whileDylan Cease got the start for the Padres. Kittredge allowed a run in the first before being relieved byShota Imanaga in the second. Imanaga held the Padres scoreless until the fifth when he allowed a two-run homer byManny Machado. With the Cubs trailing by three, the offense only manages four hits as they were shutout 3–0. The loss forced the series to go to a decisive game three.[197]
In the deciding game of the series, former CubYu Darvish got the start for the Padres whileJameson Taillon got the start for the Cubs. The Cubs got to Darvish early, loading the bases in the second after aKyle Tucker single, a Seiya Suzuki double, and a hit by pitch. Pete Crow-Armstrong followed with a single to give the Cubs a 1–0 lead. The Padres pulled Darvish for former CubJeremiah Estrada. Estrada walked Dansby Swanson to force in a run before striking outMatt Shaw and forcingMichael Busch to hit in to a double play to end the inning. Taillon went four innings, allowing only two hits and walking none. Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner made some dazzling plays to help the bullpen keep the Padres scoreless until the ninth. Busch added a home run in the seventh to push the lead to three. In the ninth, Brad Keller allowed a leadoff home run before hitting two batters to put the tying run on first. Andrew Kittredge relieved to get a grounder for the second out, but pushed the tying run at second. However, on the first pitch of the next at-bat, Padres catcherFreddy Fermín hit a fly ball to center which Crow-Armstrong caught to end the series.[198]
Matthew Boyd got the start for the Cubs whileFreddy Peralta started for the Brewers in game one. Michael Busch hit a leadoff home run to start the game and give the Cubs a 1–0 lead. However, Boyd failed to get out of the first, allowing six runs, two earned, while only getting two outs. Trailing 6–1 after the first,Michael Soroka allowed three more runs in the second as the Brewers took an eight-run lead. Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner homered later in the game, but it was not enough as the Cubs were blown out 9–3.[199]
In game two, Seiya Suzuki led off the scoring with a three-run homer in the first. However, Cubs starter Shota Imanaga quickly surrendered the lead, giving up a three-run shot in the bottom of the first. Imanaga allowed another homer in the third before being lifted with two outs in the third. Daniel Palencia got out of the third, but surrendered another three-run homer in the fourth to give the Brewers a four-run lead. Neither team scored from there as the Brewers won 7–3. The loss put the Cubs on the brink of eliminations, down 2–0 in the three-game series.[200]
The series moved toWrigley Field for game three. Jameson Taillon allowed a first inning run as the Brewers took an early 1–0. Michael Busch led off the bottom half of the first with this second homer of the series to tie the game. Pete Crow-Armstrong drove in two runs with a single and Ian Happ scored on a wild pitch as the Cubs led 4–1 after the first. Taillon allowed another run in the fourth to cut the lead to two. Taillon left after the fourth and Andrew Kittredge allowed a homer in the seventh to reduce the lead to 4–3. Brad Keller got the final four outs to give the Cubs the win and extend the series to at least four games.[201]
In another must-win game for the Cubs, Matthew Boyd pitched 4.2 innings of scoreless baseball while four relievers combined to shut out the Brewers. Ian Happ hit a three-run homer in the first to give the Cubs a 3–0 lead.Matt Shaw extended the lead in the sixth with a single andKyle Tucker and Michael Busch homered as the Cubs won 6–0. The win evened the series at two games each with a decisive game five scheduled for Saturday in Milwaukee.[202]
In the deciding gave five, both teams went with a bullpen game. The Cubs failed to score in the first, but Drew Pomeranz allowed a homer in the bottom of the first as the Cubs fell behind 1–0. Seiya Suzuki tied it in the top of the second with his second homer of the series. However, the Brewers added a run in the fourth off ofColin Rea and another in the seventh off of Andrew Kittredge to push the lead to two. The Cubs failed to score again and lost 3–1, ending their season.[203]
(final) Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; K = Strikeouts
