Cubs creeping closer to Brewers in NL Central race with 40 games to play until postseason fun begins
<p>WASHINGTON – It couldn’t have been too happy of a flight home for the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a> after <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/13/after-two-big-nights-showed-bats-potential-cubs-nearly-no-hit-in-battle-of-baseballs-top-offenses" >a shutout loss</a> Thursday in the nation’s capital.</p><p>But a look at the standings ought to have them feeling all right.</p><p>They woke up Thursday just three games back of the division lead in the NL Central, having taken advantage of the rival Brewers getting swept this week in San Diego.</p><p>It’s as close as the Cubs had been since late May, the race constricting with just 40 games remaining on their regular-season schedule.</p><p>That’s still a lot of race to run, and a lot can happen.</p><p>But the way this team has played this summer, the postseason looks like its October destination, and a lengthy stay could be in store for a group that’s had winning a World Series on the mind since getting together in Arizona six months ago.</p><p>Before they can start shifting focus to the postseason, though, there are 40 games to play.</p><p>“It’s no different than when we started spring training, where we were a month ago or where we are today. Today is the only thing that matters,” lefty starter <b>Matthew Boyd</b> said Thursday.
Reported by 2 outlets — Chicago Sun-Times. See all sources ↓
<p>WASHINGTON – It couldn’t have been too happy of a flight home for the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a> after <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/13/after-two-big-nights-showed-bats-potential-cubs-nearly-no-hit-in-battle-of-baseballs-top-offenses" >a shutout loss</a> Thursday in the nation’s capital.</p><p>But a look at the standings ought to have them feeling all right.</p><p>They woke up Thursday just three games back of the division lead in the NL Central, having taken advantage of the rival Brewers getting swept this week in San Diego.</p><p>It’s as close as the Cubs had been since late May, the race constricting with just 40 games remaining on their regular-season schedule.</p><p>That’s still a lot of race to run, and a lot can happen.</p><p>But the way this team has played this summer, the postseason looks like its October destination, and a lengthy stay could be in store for a group that’s had winning a World Series on the mind since getting together in Arizona six months ago.</p><p>Before they can start shifting focus to the postseason, though, there are 40 games to play.</p><p>“It’s no different than when we started spring training, where we were a month ago or where we are today. Today is the only thing that matters,” lefty starter <b>Matthew Boyd</b> said Thursday. “It’s fine to look and believe in where we want to go. We know where we want to go.
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- <p>WASHINGTON – It couldn’t have been too happy of a flight home for the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a> after <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/08/13/after-two-big-nights-showed-bats-potential-cubs-nearly-no-hit-in-battle-of-baseballs-top-offenses" >a shutout loss</a> Thursday in the nation’s capital.</p><p>But a look at the standings ought to have them feeling all right.</p><p>They woke up Thursday just three games back of the division lead in the NL Central, having taken advantage of the rival Brewers getting swept this week in San Diego.</p><p>It’s as close as the Cubs had been since late May, the race constricting with just 40 games remaining on their regular-season schedule.</p><p>That’s still a lot of race to run, and a lot can happen.</p><p>But the way this team has played this summer, the postseason looks like its October destination, and a lengthy stay could be in store for a group that’s had winning a World Series on the mind since getting together in Arizona six months ago.</p><p>Before they can start shifting focus to the postseason, though, there are 40 games to play.</p><p>“It’s no different than when we started spring training, where we were a month ago or where we are today. Today is the only thing that matters,” lefty starter <b>Matthew Boyd</b> said Thursday.
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Cubs creeping closer to Brewers in NL Central race with 40 games to play until postseason fun begins
Sources1TypeCoverageChicago Sun-Times