NEWSLETTER
Cubs vs Brewers — I don’t know if this four-game series is quite as dire as sweep or bust, but it certainly feels that way. Maybe things would be different if the Cubs were able to complete their comeback last night against the Guardians, but they fell just short after a miracle four-run 9th inning against a stud closer. So that’s another series loss following a series sweep, and things are looking bleak:
NL Central Standings:
- Reds/Brewers: 45-39
- ….
- Pirates: 39-44 (5.5 GB)
- Cubs: 38-44 (6.0 GB)
- Cardinals: 35-48 (9.5 GB)
Would four wins over the Brewers in Milwaukee this week change our outlook? Sure, I guess. But I don’t think the Cubs have given us any reason to believe that’s likely.
The only potential bright side is that Jameson Taillon is the only starting pitcher not scheduled to go in this one. But on the flip side, the Cubs have drawn Julio Teheran (2.85 ERA) and Wade Miley (3.02 ERA), both of whom are having really solid seasons in terms of results. Yes, both guys are out-pitching their peripherals, but that’s what Brewers pitchers do. And this Cubs offense has been just so incredibly inconsistent. I do not have much faith.
Plus, life doesn’t get any easier after this series, with three games against the Yankees in New York before the All-Star Break.
So, yeah, I think I’m saying the Cubs have to go at least 3-1 against Milwaukee and win the series in New York (2-1) to push the buy-sell decision another week. That would still leave the Cubs three games under .500, but at least it would drag the Brewers down and show some remaining fight. If they split with the Brewers and lose in New York (normally not a terrible outcome), that might be it for the 2023 Cubs.
So we’ll see.
Cubs vs Brewers – Pitching Probables:
Game 1: Monday, July 3 at 1:10 CT at American Family Field
Broadcast Info: MARQ, MLBN, 670 The Score
Game 2: Tuesday, July 4 at 3:10 CT at American Family Field
Broadcast Info: MARQ, 670 The Score
Game 3: Wednesday, July 5 at 7:10 CT at American Family Field
Broadcast Info: MARQ, 670 The Score
Game 4: Thursday, July 6 at 1:10 CT at American Family Field
Broadcast Info: MARQ, MLBN, 670 The Score
