The Cubs have scored just 10 runs in their last five games, with four scores coming in a loss to the Red Sox that already feels like it was seven years ago and three more in the opening win against the Mets. Sitting in second place with 19 wins feels like a minor miracle given how many injuries they’ve sustained, but there’s still a sense that they’re working harder than they need to. Depleted roster or no, it won’t be good enough to simply tread water with the Brewers coming to Chicago this weekend.
Speaking of being shorthanded, Milwaukee might be without Freddy Peralta following yet another benches-clearing brawl with the Rays on Tuesday.