Cubs Eye Playoff Push Against Mets in Crucial Wrigley Field Showdown
The Chicago Cubs are on the brink of a playoff berth, standing at 88-69 as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the New York Mets. This clash is part of a pivotal three-game series at Wrigley Field, and with only five regular-season games remaining, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Cubs can potentially extinguish the Mets’ playoff hopes with a strong performance in this series, as New York (81-76) is currently tied with the Cincinnati Reds for the final National League playoff spot.
Current Playoff Scenarios
As the Cubs strive to secure the top wild card position, they are closely monitoring the San Diego Padres, who are also in the playoff hunt. The top wild card team is rewarded with a home playoff series, something Chicago is eager to achieve. The upcoming games against the Mets will be crucial in determining their postseason fate.
Pitching Matchup for Wednesday
Expect a fierce battle on the mound when the teams meet again on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. CT.
Cubs: Matthew Boyd
The Cubs will hand the ball to left-hander Matthew Boyd (13-8, 3.20 ERA) for what will be his last regular-season start. This outing is significant as it sets him up for a potential starting role in next week’s best-of-three wild card series. Boyd is looking to shake off a rough outing against Pittsburgh, where he allowed seven hits and four earned runs over just three innings. In his last seven starts, he has struggled with a 2-3 record and a 5.82 ERA, accumulating 30 strikeouts but also issuing 12 walks across 38.2 innings.
Mets: Jonah Tong
On the other side, the Mets will counter with right-hander Jonah Tong (2-2, 5.94 ERA). Tong is coming off a promising performance, having secured a win against San Diego after allowing just four hits and no runs in five innings, accompanied by eight strikeouts. However, like many rookies, he has had inconsistent outings since his call-up earlier this month. Despite his struggles, he has shown the ability to miss bats, recording 21 strikeouts in 16.1 innings while limiting walks to just seven. This season, opposing batters have managed a .262 average against him, presenting a potential opportunity for the Cubs’ hitters.
Injury Updates
Injuries continue to impact the Cubs as they approach the postseason:
Owen Caissie, OF: Currently on the 7-day concussion IL since September 7, his return remains uncertain due to lingering symptoms.
Kyle Tucker, OF: Placed on the 10-day IL with left calf tightness, he has resumed running and aims to return for the playoffs.
Miguel Amaya, C: Recovering from a left ankle sprain, Amaya is back in Arizona after his rehab assignment and is expected to return.
Daniel Palencia, RHP: Likely to be activated before Wednesday’s game, Palencia will bolster a bullpen in need of reinforcements as the playoffs loom.
Ryan Brasier, RHP: Still sidelined with a left groin strain, his return date remains unclear.
In terms of long-term injuries, both Eli Morgan and Justin Steele are out for the season, with Morgan’s campaign effectively over following the conclusion of Triple-A Iowa’s season and Steele recovering from surgery.
Viewing Information
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN, with radio coverage available on 670 The Score and various Audacy stations for both teams.
As the Cubs and Mets clash in this vital showdown, both teams have their eyes firmly set on their postseason aspirations. The outcome of this game could very well shape the playoff picture in the National League.
