However, far from letting that get to him, the 26-year-old Venezuelan sent manager Craig Counsell and company a powerful message. Palencia, though young, has faced adversity before and has proven he can bounce back from rough nights like the one he had against the Brewers at Wrigley Field.

“It’s been tough, for sure, but this is baseball. I’m going to have bad days. This is not me. I want the ball tomorrow,” Palencia said while urging the Cubs to send him to the mound again for the third matchup of the four-game series, via the Chicago Sun-Times.

Entering the game in the sixth inning, Palencia was taken out after facing two batters. He allowed two hits, two runs and a home run while failing to strike out a batter. His numbers for the night included 12 pitches, nine for strikes, as well as a 4.95 ERA. Under his watch, the Brewers took the lead, and that’s why he was pinned the loss on his MLB season résumé.

Cubs announce starting pitcher

The Cubs announced David Peterson will start the third game against the Brewers on Chicago’s North Side. Peterson’s last start for Chicago was on Aug. 28, when the club fell to the Cincinnati Reds 10-8.

Whether Palencia is given the nod by Counsell as a reliever or gets the night off remains to be seen. It may depend on how the Cubs fare in an electric duel between two of the best offenses in Major League Baseball. So far, the series’ overall score is 21-12 in favor of Chicago.

Palencia’s numbers in 2026

Well into his fourth year in MLB, the Cubs’ reliever has struggled to replicate the success he had in 2025. So far, Palencia has appeared in 23 games, pitching a total of 20 innings and recording 24 strikeouts and seven walks while allowing 22 hits and 11 runs. Although not a closer, Palencia has recorded three saves and blown another.

Through his 23 appearances, the World Baseball Classic-winning reliever has posted a –0.1 WAR, 4.95 ERA, and 1.45 WHIP. All of these are downgrades from his strong 0.6 WAR, 2.91 ERA, and 1.14 WHIP in 2025, all career highs.

The Japanese allowed six runs on eight hits over five innings, bringing his season record to 8-10 with a 4.01 ERA. Despite these numbers, the manager assured that they will do everything possible to help him regain his best form.

The latest loss puts the Cubs even further behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the NL Central and are their next opponent on the schedule. Can Imanaga bounce back to his best form and help his team in the right way during this crucial stretch of the 2026 MLB season?

Imanaga’s numbers so far this season

Imanaga’s been holding it down as a solid rotation piece for the Cubs so far in 2026. Sitting at an 8-10 record over 27 starts, he’s logged around 150 innings with a rock-solid 4.01 ERA and roughly 144 strikeouts. Keeping his WHIP tidy around 1.12, he relied on high-level command and that signature deceptive fastball to keep big-league hitters guessing week in and week out.

That said, the buzz around his current form isn’t all praise, as analysts and fans have started questioning whether he can maintain elite output over a grueling full season. Critics point to a noticeable drop in his strikeout rate compared to his debut year, along with a tendency to get tagged for the long ball when his fastball control misses by even a fraction.

Craig Counsell’s rotation alternatives

If Craig Counsell wants to give Shota Imanaga a breather or skip a start to keep his arm fresh, he’s actually got a few dependable starters ready to step up. He could easily slide Matthew Boyd or David Peterson up to take on the extra workload, or turn to Javier Assad to jump back into the rotation and swallow some bulk innings without skipping a beat.

What’s next for the Cubs?

Sitting at 77-60 and staying right on the heels of the Brewers in the NL Central race, the Cubs are heading into a crucial stretch that could make or break their push for the division. They’re kicking off September with a massive four-game home stand at Wrigley Field against those very same Milwaukee Brewers (Aug 31 – Sep 3) before hitting the road for a weekend set against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park (Sep 4–6).

From there, they stay on the road for a quick three-game rematch in Milwaukee at American Family Field (Sep 7–9), making this upcoming slate absolutely pivotal if Counsell’s squad wants to overtake the division leaders.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Cubs prospect Pedro Ramirez should not be viewed as untouchable despite his impressive start in the majors. “He is not untouchable, nor should he be,” Passan wrote on Threads while responding to a fan’s suggestion that Ramirez should be off limits in trade discussions.

Ramirez has quickly become a fan favorite since his promotion to the big leagues, and his recent performances have only increased excitement around his future. That growing popularity, however, could make any potential trade involving the 22-year-old even more difficult for Chicago if Detroit insists on his inclusion.

Would the Cubs trade Pedro Ramirez for Tarik Skubal?

The Cubs are widely expected to pursue another frontline starter before the trade deadline, and Skubal represents one of the most impactful options on the market. While Chicago has also been linked to Reid Detmers in recent reports, acquiring the Tigers’ ace would almost certainly require the Cubs to part with multiple premium assets.

Ramirez’s value has continued to rise following his arrival in the majors. The young infielder has strengthened his case as part of the Cubs’ long-term core. Even so, Passan believes the organization should be willing to consider moving him if the return justifies the cost.

Why could Tarik Skubal force a difficult decision?

With rumors even linking Skubal to the Brewers in recent days, the ace has posted a 2.70 ERA across 15 starts while recording 110 strikeouts in 90 innings, and few pitchers would have a greater impact on the Cubs’ postseason aspirations than the left‑hander. He has established himself as one of baseball’s premier starters, making him one of the most coveted trade targets ahead of the deadline.

If the Tigers were to demand Ramirez as part of a potential package, Chicago would have to balance its long-term future against the opportunity to acquire an established ace capable of leading a playoff rotation. Whether the Cubs are willing to make that sacrifice could determine whether a deal ultimately comes together.

“Ahead of the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 3, there could be a battle in the Windy City for starting pitching. Multiple sources tell Yahoo Sports that the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have each shown interest in Angels left-hander Reid Detmers,” Dorsey revealed. “Both Chicago teams are in need of starting pitching and have cast a wide net as they look for reinforcements.”

The White Sox’s current position as leaders of the AL Central could put them in a better spot to acquire the Angels pitcher. However, the number of injuries affecting the Cubs’ roster could also give the pitcher a more prominent role.

Detmers’ numbers so far this season

Reid Detmers has been a fascinating watch this season, putting up a stat line that doesn’t quite tell the whole story. Across 21 starts and 120.0 innings, he sits with a 3–7 record and a 4.05 ERA, numbers that take a backseat to how electric his stuff can actually be. He’s been missing bats at a serious clip, piling up 136 strikeouts while keeping base runners to a minimum with a crisp 1.10 WHIP.

Why do the White Sox need another pitcher?

The White Sox are targeting Reid Detmers to inject some much-needed left-handed balance and swing-and-miss ability into their starting staff. While young right-handers Davis Martin and Sean Burke have shown plenty of promise, relying too heavily on unproven arms down the stretch is a risky move for a team making a late-season push.

Bringing in a battle-tested southpaw like Detmers gives Chicago a dependable mid-rotation starter who can eat innings, rack up strikeouts, and provide crucial rotation depth for the final stretch of the season.

The injuries plaguing the Cubs

The Cubs’ pitching staff continues to be severely tested by injuries down the stretch. Top prospect Cade Horton is out for the season following elbow surgery, while former ace Justin Steele remains stuck in a prolonged rehab process after undergoing Tommy John surgery in spring 2025.

To make matters worse, key contributors Ben Brown (neck strain) and Edward Cabrera (hamstring injury) are both currently sidelined on the 15-day injured list. This relentless wave of health setbacks has stripped Chicago of crucial rotation depth and forced the front office to scramble for answers as the season wears on.

Sparked by Pete Crow-Armstrong‘s leadoff triple, Chicago’s relentless offense knocked Framber Valdez out of the game before he could complete the opening frame. “We just did a wonderful job,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said after the win according to MLB.com. “The team approach was really good tonight, offensively.”

The explosive start allowed newly acquired left-hander David Peterson to pitch with a comfortable cushion, while the Cubs continued their recent surge by collecting their fifth victory in seven games. Chicago consistently pressured Detroit with disciplined at-bats, timely hitting, and aggressive baserunning from the opening pitch.

Cubs’ patient approach overwhelms Framber Valdez

Chicago’s lineup executed their game plan perfectly against Valdez, forcing the Tigers’ starter to throw 42 pitches while facing 10 batters in the first inning. “Maybe we caught a couple breaks,“ Counsell said.

He also added, “But we made it hard on him and had really good at-bats. It was a move-the-line type of inning that we did a really good job on. If you get a starter like that out in the first inning, you collectively—and team-wide—had a really good approach.“

David Peterson and Pete Crow-Armstrong finish the job

Counsell also highlighted Crow-Armstrong’s impact beyond the leadoff triple. The center fielder capped another outstanding defensive performance with a spectacular running catch in the seventh inning that preserved Peterson’s scoreless outing.

“They’re just plays that nobody else is going to make,“ Counsell said of Crow-Armstrong’s defense. “Nobody else is making the plays. And you’re going to have to watch baseball a long time to find someone who’s going to make the plays. That’s how good it is.”

“I’ve been terrible. I need to play better,” was how Bregman started his declaration, which was shared on X by Jesse Rogers of ESPN. “Offensively, it’s been awful. I’ve failed many times in this game. I’ve struggled. I’ve started slow before, I’ve started fast before.”

Despite Bregman batting a .243 average with 5 home runs and 19 RBIs, what caught everyone’s attention is his .669 OPS, which places him 133rd among all players this year. Is it something for the Cubs to worry about? Yes, most starting infielders shouldn’t struggle that way.

At least Bregman knows what’s happening

Bregman is crystal clear about his issues at the plate. After 263 at-bats and 64 hits, he’s ready to confront it with the best solution: keep working to get better. “When you’re struggling, there is only one way forward and that’s straight, head-on through it. It comes down to executing in the game. I haven’t executed all year.”

The Cubs’ 34-32 situation isn’t all on Bregman. They still have some time to climb up in the NL Central standings, but if he can speed up his production at the plate, it could help with their goal to reach the MLB postseason. Right now, they are 7.5 games behind Milwaukee.

Among Bregman’s teammates, there are other players struggling with an OPS just as much or worse than his. One of them is Dansby Swanson with a .606 OPS. As the starting shortstop, his production is down with only 37 hits and 28 RBIs this year.

Crow-Armstrong’s heroics capped a remarkable turnaround for both the player and the team. Following the win, he reflected on the significance of the comeback, saying, according to MLB.com, “For us to get that win is something we can build off. But just kind of the reminder that this is who we are, that’s so important when times are like this.”

The victory ended Chicago’s eight-game home losing streak and came at a time when the offense had struggled to consistently produce runs. s. The Cubs entered the ninth inning trailing before erupting for four runs and completing one of their most dramatic wins of the season, all while Cubs reportedly enter sweepstakes for Tarik Skubal remains part of the broader conversation surrounding the club’s direction.

Craig Counsell challenged Crow-Armstrong to move forward

Earlier in the game, Crow-Armstrong found himself at the center of a difficult moment. In the sixth inning, he lost a fly ball off the bat of Shea Langeliers in the evening sky, allowing the Athletics catcher to race around the bases for a two-run inside-the-park home run that extended team’s lead.

Instead of letting the mistake linger, manager Craig Counsell delivered a simple message. “You feel terrible. It’s a big play,” Counsell said. “But I told him when he came in the dugout, ‘Man, go have a great at-bat. How can you affect this now? You can’t think about what just happened. You have to go have a great at-bat.'”

Crow-Armstrong responded immediately. Later in the sixth inning, he crushed a home run to right field, helping the Cubs begin their climb back into the game. The blast demonstrated the maturity that Counsell has seen develop in the young outfielder. “In the past, I might’ve dwelled on that,” Crow-Armstrong admitted. “I’m just growing up a little bit.”

Cubs rally late before Crow-Armstrong delivers the final blow

Chicago’s comeback continued in the seventh inning when Ian Happ launched a two-run homer, cutting further into the deficit. The offense then exploded in the ninth as Michael Busch, Happ, Nico Hoerner, Moisés Ballesteros, and Seiya Suzuki all contributed during a frantic rally.

Dansby Swanson, who had struggled at the plate entering the game, delivered a clutch RBI single to tie the score and keep the inning alive. That set the stage for Crow-Armstrong, who stepped to the plate with a chance to complete his redemption story.

The center fielder lined the game-winning hit to right field, sending Wrigley Field into celebration and securing a victory that could provide a much-needed boost for the Cubs moving forward.

Whether this game ultimately becomes a turning point in Chicago’s season remains to be seen. What is certain is that Crow-Armstrong transformed one of his most frustrating moments of the year into one of the most memorable nights of his young career.

However, the Bronx Bombers aren’t alone. According to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Chicago Cubs have quietly emerged as a legitimate frontrunner to land the dominant left-hander if Detroit chooses to pivot, as The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal suggested that he would be available in the trade deadline.

With the Yankees reportedly among four teams who have already kicked the tires on Skubal’s availability, Chicago’s entry into the sweepstakes adds serious fuel to the fire. Teams are already feeling the crunch as they navigate a shortened timeline, with the trade window slamming shut on Monday, August 3, at 6:00 PM ET.

Any contender looking to strike a deal already knows the price tag will be astronomical, as several rival MLB executives have leaked the reported king’s ransom Detroit is demanding in exchange for its prized pitcher.

Which team could be a better fit for Skubal between Yanks and Cubs?

While the final decision ultimately rests on what kind of package Detroit prefers, the Yankees and Cubs offer two vastly different landing spots. Chicago represents a rising contender trying to capitalize on its recent momentum, while New York offers the unmatched spotlight and historical pressure of the Bronx.

Any rotation in baseball would be ecstatic to add a healthy Skubal, who pitched to a stellar 2.70 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP over seven starts before landing on the injured list. However, the Yankees might actually be the lesser fit; New York already boasts an elite pitching staff that is only getting stronger with the impending return of reigning ace Gerrit Cole.

On the other hand, the Cubs look like the far more logical destination. Skubal would immediately plug into the top of a rotation desperately seeking a bona fide, true Friday-night ace. If he can return from his elbow procedure and replicate the numbers he put up in Detroit, he could single-handedly transform Chicago into the team to beat in the National League.

After allowing nine combined runs in his previous two starts, Skenes bounced back with another overpowering performance despite taking the loss. “That’s cool,” Skenes said according to MLB.com. “There’s a lot of baseball left.”

Following the game, the right-hander reacted calmly after learning he now owns the fourth-best ERA by any pitcher before turning 24 with at least 300 innings pitched, as manager Don Kelly recently reacted after Paul Skenes flirts with no-hitter.

The outing lowered Skenes’ ERA to 2.89 on the season while improving his career ERA to 2.12. The only pitchers ahead of him on the all-time list are names from baseball’s early decades, including Hall of Famer Babe Ruth.

Skenes dominates early against Cubs lineup

Skenes wasted little time establishing control against Chicago. The flamethrowing right-hander retired the first eight batters he faced and struck out seven of the first eight hitters, repeatedly generating swings and misses with his sweeper and overpowering fastball.

His seven strikeouts through the first three innings tied a career high, matching marks he previously reached during his rookie season. Skenes also continued his remarkable success in night games this season, entering Thursday with a 0.51 ERA under the lights compared to a much higher daytime ERA.

Despite allowing only three hits through four innings, Skenes admitted afterward that his pitch count climbed because of inconsistent command. “Coming out of the gate was pretty good,” Skenes said. “I think there were times throughout the game where it was kind of hit and miss, but for the most part found ways to get outs.”

Pirates continue searching for consistency behind Skenes

The Cubs finally broke through in the fourth inning after Michael Busch walked and Seiya Suzuki delivered an RBI bloop single to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. Skenes later ran into trouble again in the sixth inning before manager Don Kelly visited the mound with reliever Mason Montgomery warming in the bullpen.

Although Skenes exited after an infield error allowed another run to score, both sixth-inning runs were ruled unearned. Pittsburgh’s bullpen later surrendered additional insurance runs, including a two-run homer from Ian Happ, as the Pirates settled for a split in the four-game series against their NL Central rivals.

“This is what I’ve always dreamed of doing, playing in the big leagues,” Ryan said during an appearance on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. “I’m grateful for that every day that I get to do that. And I want to be the best version of myself. What am I going to do, think about trades and things that I have zero control over? That’s just wasted headspace.”

Ryan dealt with similar rumors during the 2025 season when Minnesota struggled before the trade deadline. At the time, he was even scheduled to pitch the day after the deadline passed, which added another layer of pressure to an already difficult situation.

Still, the right-hander responded with six strong innings against Cleveland and helped the Twins secure an extra-innings victory, coming at a time when the Twins had also made a surprising Matt Bowman decision after his strong Triple-A run.

Ryan remains one of MLB’s top trade targets

The 2026 season has only increased Ryan’s value around baseball. “I think you look back and just remind yourself… that the distractions are away from the actual game,” Ryan explained. “I’m here to play baseball, and I get to put on a big league uniform.”

Unlike other potential trade candidates such as Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta, Ryan remains under team control through the 2027 season. That contract situation gives Minnesota significant leverage if the organization decides to move him before the deadline.

The Twins are currently under .500, and if the club continues to slide in the standings, rival executives expect Minnesota to receive major prospect offers for their ace.

Braves and Cubs remain possible landing spots

Several contenders have already been connected to Ryan, including the Braves and Cubs. Atlanta could look to strengthen its rotation for another postseason push, while Chicago has continued searching for pitching help amid ongoing injury concerns.

Even with the rumors continuing to grow, however, Ryan appears committed to maintaining the same approach that helped him navigate last season’s deadline uncertainty.

Lopez, who appeared in only a handful of games since joining the Cubs, was moved off the active roster as Chicago created space for Alcantara, who was already on the 40-man roster. According to 670 The Score’s Bruce Levine, Alcantara was present in the clubhouse ahead of the move being finalized.

Alcantara now returns to the major leagues after receiving 22 plate appearances across 13 MLB games over the past two seasons. In Triple-A Iowa this year, the 23-year-old has shown power potential with a .247/.339/.567 slash line, 15 home runs, and 60 strikeouts in 180 plate appearances, coming as Pat Murphy recently expressed frustration with Brewers players.

Alcantara gets another opportunity with Cubs outfield

The Cubs are expected to use Alcantara in a limited role initially, particularly against left-handed pitching, where he could spell Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field or Michael Conforto at designated hitter.

However, his long-term path to regular playing time remains uncertain, with established veterans ahead of him in a crowded outfield mix. Still, Chicago continues to evaluate internal options as the roster evolves.

Lopez loses roster spot after limited impact

Lopez was acquired from the Colorado Rockies for cash considerations in late April but struggled to secure consistent playing time, appearing in just four games during his stint with the Cubs.

A veteran utility infielder with experience at multiple positions, Lopez has hit .228/.298/.281 over 1,220 plate appearances since 2022 across several teams, settling into more of a depth role in recent seasons.

If he clears waivers, Lopez could either accept an outright assignment or explore free agency, though a return to the Cubs on a minor league deal remains a possible outcome given the organization’s familiarity with him.