Cubs Stay Hot, Keep Pace in Wild-Card Race as Short Bullpen Pushes Through - The Athletic

Cubs Ace Closer Out With Injury

The Chicago Cubs are staying hot and keeping pace in the wild-card race, even as their short bullpen pushes through.

The Cubs' bullpen has been a strength all season, but it has been taxed in recent weeks due to a number of injuries.

Most notably, closer Craig Kimbrel has been out with a right knee injury.

In Kimbrel's absence, the Cubs have turned to several other relievers to close out games.

Those relievers have done a good job, but they have also been overworked.

The Cubs are hoping to get Kimbrel back soon, but there is no timetable for his return.

In other injury news, Wade Miley will miss his next start with a left shoulder injury.

Miley is expected to be out for at least two weeks.

The Cubs will likely recall a pitcher from Triple-A Iowa to take Miley's spot in the rotation.

Despite the injuries, the Cubs have won six of their last 10 games.

They are currently in second place in the NL Central, 2.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Cubs are also just 1.5 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot.

The Cubs have a tough schedule remaining, but they are confident that they can make a run at the postseason.

They will need to stay healthy and get some help from their bullpen, but they have the talent to make it happen.

The Cubs will be back in action on Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates.