The Cubs (40-46) just completed a very eventful series with the division rival Brewers that saw constant lead changes and dramatic rallies. Splitting the four-game set meant that Chicago could not make up any ground on Milwaukee and they even lost ground on the sizzling first-place Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs now head to New York to close out the first half with a matchup against the New York Yankees (48-40) .
The Bronx Bombers are basically tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the final Wild Card spot in the American League. The starting rotation has struggled outside of ace Gerrit Cole, although Carlos Rodón is finally set to debut Friday after missing the first half of the season with an arm injury.