Cubs Wild-Card Push
Cubs Maintain Narrow Wild-Card Lead Despite Recent Slump as Dansby Swanson Returns
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Key Points
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The Cubs activated Dansby Swanson from the injured list and optioned infielder BJ Murray back to Triple-A Iowa; Swanson had been sidelined since Aug. 17 with an oblique strain.
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Chicago spent its day off at Churchill Downs, where a horse owned by Alex Bregman won, adding an unusual pregame detail to the Cubs’ Cincinnati trip.
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The Cubs’ expected starter had posted a 3.46 ERA in seven starts since arriving at the trade deadline, including three outings with at least five strikeouts, but had not yet faced Cincinnati this season.
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Cincinnati’s offense was described as difficult to manage because the Reds ranked fourth in Major League Baseball in home runs and were particularly effective at avoiding swings at pitches outside the strike zone.
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In the broader American League East playoff picture, Tampa Bay and New York had already secured postseason berths, leaving Boston with nine regular-season games remaining to join them.
The Chicago Cubs hold a narrow lead in the National League Wild Card race entering their final stretch, despite dropping six of their last 10 games. SI reported that Dansby Swanson returned from an oblique strain on September 18, providing a defensive boost as the Cubs (85-68) prepare for a crucial series against Cincinnati at Great American Ball Park.
Philadelphia, San Diego, and Arizona all lost recently, keeping Chicago's playoff hopes alive. However, Bleacher Nation notes the Cubs face a bullpen reliability problem in the final nine games, with inconsistent late-inning relief threatening their postseason positioning despite an otherwise favorable remaining schedule.
Swanson's Return Stabilizes the Cubs Infield
Dansby Swanson activated on September 18 after missing nearly a month with a right oblique strain sustained August 17 against Washington. SI reported the Cubs optioned infielder BJ Murray to Triple-A Iowa to make roster space. Swanson's gold-glove defense provides critical stability down the stretch as Chicago battles for playoff position.
Shelby Miller's Season Ends With Elbow Surgery
Veteran pitcher Shelby Miller will miss the remainder of 2026 after undergoing elbow surgery in mid-October 2025. Cubs Insider reported that manager Craig Counsell officially ruled Miller out on September 15, shutting down his comeback attempt. The loss removes a potential rotation option during the final playoff push.
Cincinnati's Offense Poses Slugging Threat
The Cincinnati Reds rank fourth in Major League Baseball in home runs and excel at plate discipline, maintaining low chase rates on pitches outside the strike zone. FOX Sports noted that Elly De La Cruz and Carlos Jorge lead a dangerous offensive attack despite Cincinnati's 71-82 record and last-place NL Central standing. The Cubs cannot afford sloppy pitching against this lineup.
Crow-Armstrong Powers Chicago's Offensive Spark
Second-year center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has driven Chicago's lineup with 44 home runs in 2026. Marquee Sports highlighted Crow-Armstrong's emergence as a crucial piece in the Cubs' stretch run. Combined with Alex Bregman's team-leading 5.2 fWAR among third basemen, Chicago boasts offensive firepower to compete down the final nine games.
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