The Cubs (88-68) had a rough weekend in Cincinnati after securing a playoff spot, suffering a four-game sweep at the hands of the Reds. The issue continues to be an offense that produced just seven runs in the series. Chicago returns to Wrigley for the final week of the regular season, beginning with three against the Mets.
New York (80-76) was sitting pretty in late July with a 62-44 record and a firm grip on a playoff spot. Then they went 2-14 to suddenly find themselves in a dogfight for the final Wild Card. Then they stumbled through an eight-game losing streak earlier this month, and dropping two of three to the Nationals allowed the Reds to pull into a tie for the final playoff spot.