The Cubs return to the field on Friday afternoon following the much-needed All-Star break. Joe Maddon’s team begins a six-game homestand against the Rangers and Mets with the first of three versus one of the top teams in the American League, the Texas Rangers.
The Cubs start the ‘second half’ of the season with a 53-35 record and the biggest lead in the majors. The Cubs enter play Friday a full seven games ahead of the Cardinals and 7 ½ games in front of the Pirates.
After playing 24 games in 24 days leading up to the break, 17 of the Cubs next 19 games are in Chicago and the only road games between now and Aug.