The Chicago Cubs are experiencing a challenging period, having dropped their eighth consecutive game with an 8-5 loss to the Houston Astros. This defeat is compounded by the team placing pitcher Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list due to blister issues on his throwing hand. The Cubs, once 15 games over .500 earlier in the season, are now struggling at 29-24 and have seen a significant decline in performance, with an offense that ranks 28th in OPS during their losing streak.

By the Numbers
  • The Cubs have lost eight straight games, their longest losing streak since 2022.
  • Since May 8, the team has a record of 2-12.
State of Play
  • The Cubs are currently 2.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.
  • They are one game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the last wild card spot.
  • The starting rotation is severely impacted, with four potential starters sidelined.
What's Next

The Cubs are looking to break their losing streak during a seven-game road trip to Pittsburgh and St. Louis. This change of scenery may provide a much-needed boost for the team as they navigate their current struggles.

Bottom Line

To prevent a deeper spiral, the Cubs must actively address their pitching woes and find ways to harness their offensive potential; overcoming these challenges is crucial for maintaining their playoff hopes. The immediate focus needs to be on ending the losing streak before it defines their season.