The Cubs enter the final weekend losers of six out of seven and clinging to the top Wild Card spot with a magic number of two to secure home-field advantage against the Padres. That matchup is locked in, so it’s just a matter of determining where they play. The Cardinals have nothing to play for and the Cubs are getting what should be an offensive boost, so maybe they can actually control their own destiny.
They’re also hoping another strong effort from Colin Rea can wash away the stank from last night’s start. Rea has been very good of late and is coming off the best start of his career, an 11-strikeout gem against the Reds that still saw him saddled with a loss.