“They don’t even know most of our guys’ names, so they’re never going to be intimidated by us—but we’re not looking for that,” Murphy said after the Brewers’ 9-3 statement win over the NL Central leaders.

While stars like Bryce Turang and William Contreras spearhead the lineup, Murphy pointed out that the rest of the league is still sleeping on key contributors. Role players like Tyler Black, who is batting .333, and Jake Bauers, who has launched seven home runs, continue to produce in the shadows.

Murphy’s chip-on-the-shoulder mentality is a bit surprising, especially considering opposing managers are already taking notice. Just two weeks ago, New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone pulled no punches, criticizing his own team’s flat performance following a series loss to these same Brewers.

A closer look at the Brewers’ recent surge

To see if Murphy’s “flying under the radar” narrative holds weight, let’s break down Milwaukee’s last five games and the players driving their recent success:

• In the series finale against the San Diego Padres, the Brewers cruised to a 7-1 victory on the strength of an 11-hit, error-free performance. William Contreras paced the offense, going 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored.
• Milwaukee carried that momentum into their series opener against the Minnesota Twins, scraping out a 3-2 win (nine hits, one error). Rookie phenom Jackson Chourio earned player of the game honors, turning in a 2-for-5 night with a double, two runs, and a crucial outfield assist.
• The Brewers clinched the next frame against the Twins 2-1 behind a five-hit, zero-error effort. Chourio stayed hot, going 2-for-4 with a double and a go-ahead solo shot, while reliever Patrick Outman locked down a stellar four-inning save, allowing just one hit and striking out three.
• Milwaukee’s win streak snapped in a narrow 5-4 loss in the series finale against Minnesota, despite out-hitting the Twins 10 to five. Outfielder Garrett Mitchell (1-for-3, HR) and veteran DH Christian Yelich (1-for-5, HR) provided the lone bright spots in the defeat.
• The bounce-back was immediate in Monday’s series opener against the Cubs. The Brewers exploded for 13 hits in a 9-3 rout, powered by first baseman Jake Bauers, who finished 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs, and four RBIs.

During this impressive 4-1 stretch, unheralded names like Outman, Mitchell, and Bauers have carried the heaviest load. If these under-the-radar pieces keep producing, the rest of the league won’t be able to ignore Murphy’s club much longer.

The drama unfolded when Crow-Armstrong tracked a high fly ball into foul territory near the right-field stands but ultimately couldn’t make the play. A spectator in the front rows shouted something at the young outfielder, prompting an immediate, obscene retaliation from Crow-Armstrong that will likely trigger a swift fine and discipline from the league.

Under Major League Baseball rules regarding player conduct, directing profanity toward an official or a fan in the stands carries strict penalties. The exact financial toll and the length of a potential suspension—typically ranging from one to three games—will be determined following an official review by the MLB Disciplinary Committee.

The off-field distraction comes at a brutal time for the North Siders. While rookie Ben Brown recently highlighted the buzz surrounding the Cubs’ historic surge—which included a spectacular 10-game winning streak in early May—the club has hit a massive wall, dropping three consecutive series to the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and these same White Sox.

The anatomy of the altercation

A video that went viral on social media captured what was said during the incident. Immediately after the ball dropped out of play, the White Sox fan lunged forward and shouted, “You s.” Crow-Armstrong didn’t hesitate to fire back, barking a highly explicit and profane response directly at her: “S my d* you piece of s*.”

Met by reporters in the clubhouse after the game, Crow-Armstrong refused to back down from his actions or offer an apology. “Some lady decided to start talking s*, and I felt the need to say it back,” the outfielder remarked bluntly.

While trash-talk is woven into the fabric of Chicago’s baseball rivalry, the explicit nature of this exchange crossed a clear line regarding player-fan boundaries. All eyes now turn to the commissioner’s office as the Cubs await MLB’s official ruling ahead of a crucial upcoming stretch.

“Two double-digit winning streaks in a season,” Brown said after the game, according to MLB.com. “That sounds pretty wild to me, but we’re just focused on showing up every day and taking care of business.”

That milestone places Chicago in rare company across MLB history, with only a small group of teams ever reaching multiple 10-game winning streaks before their 40th game of a season.

As the Cubs remain optimistic about Matthew Boyd’s recovery timeline, the achievement has come despite rotation changes, bullpen fatigue, and injuries that have forced constant adjustments. Still, the Cubs have continued to respond with steady pitching, timely hitting, and strong defensive play.

Brown steps into rotation role and delivers steady control

Brown’s role has expanded significantly after shifting from the bullpen into the starting rotation following the injury to veteran left-hander Matthew Boyd. The adjustment has been seamless so far, with Brown continuing to deliver steady outings that give the Cubs stability during a heavy workload period.

Manager Craig Counsell credited the team’s approach during the streak, emphasizing consistency over complexity. “That means you’re doing something that’s pretty rare,” Counsell said. “But it’s really about coming in and playing a good game every day, and that’s what we’ve been doing.”

Brown’s efficiency also helped protect a bullpen that has been heavily used throughout the stretch, giving the Cubs valuable breathing room in a long and demanding schedule.

Cubs’ depth and balance continue driving historic winning stretch

Chicago’s success has been built on more than just pitching, with the lineup and defense continuing to play key roles throughout the streak. Ian Happ extended his on-base streak to 29 games, while Seiya Suzuki delivered a two-run home run that helped create separation early in the contest.

Brown pointed to that balance when reflecting on the team’s success, noting how every part of the roster contributes. “It’s all connected,” he said. “When the pitching is supported by defense and offense, everything becomes easier. We’re just trying to keep that going.”

As Chicago continues its historic run, Brown’s steady transition into a starting role stands out as one of the key reasons the Cubs have been able to sustain such a high level of consistency across multiple stretches of the season.

According to Bob Nightengale on X, Boyd underwent a partial left knee meniscectomy, with the Cubs hopeful about a relatively quick recovery timeline. Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins later shared additional details during an appearance on 104.3 The Score. “It’s more than a month for sure, and then we’ll kind of figure it out from there … So we’re optimistic about a quicker timeline,” Hawkins said.

The injury came as a surprise to the organization. Cubs manager Craig Counsell explained that Boyd suffered the setback at home while on the ground with his children before Wednesday’s game against the Reds. “It’s kind of unexplainable,” Counsell said, according to MLB.com. All of this came after the Cubs received a Nico Hoerner update in recent days.

Cubs hopeful Boyd can return sooner than expected

The Cubs avoided a worst-case scenario after Boyd’s surgery reportedly required only a partial procedure instead of a full repair. Hawkins described the operation more as a “trimming,” which gives Chicago hope that the veteran pitcher can recover faster than initially feared.

Boyd had made five starts this season before the injury, posting a 2-1 record with a 6.00 ERA, 31 strikeouts, and a 1.29 WHIP across 24 innings. While the numbers have been mixed, the Cubs value his veteran presence and rotation depth during a strong start to the year.

Chicago’s pitching staff has played an important role in the team’s early success, making Boyd’s absence another challenge the club will need to manage over the coming weeks.

Cubs continue strong season despite rotation setback

Even with Boyd sidelined, the Cubs remain one of the top teams in Major League Baseball through the first stretch of the season. Counsell and the front office will now focus on maintaining stability in the rotation while Boyd works through his recovery process.

The team’s optimism surrounding the injury suggests Chicago believes the veteran left-hander can still play an important role later in the season. For now, the Cubs appear relieved that the surgery was less severe than it could have been, keeping open the possibility of Boyd returning sometime before the All-Star break.

After Alex Bregman issued warning to rivals, the Cubs are dealing with their own early-season storyline involving durability and depth. “It’s not an injury, but the kind of thing where it didn’t leave me in a place to be myself today,” Hoerner said, according to MLB.com. The second baseman had already made an impact early, doubling and scoring in the first inning before being replaced as symptoms worsened.

Counsell later explained the decision to remove him from the game. “It got worse on the swing and run around the bases,” he said. “He tried to go out there in the second and he couldn’t throw. He just couldn’t move his neck at all. It’s a muscle thing… it may be a day or two, but I think it’ll be fine after that.”

Hoerner’s early-season production highlights his importance

Before exiting, Hoerner extended his on-base streak to 12 games, continuing what has been one of the most productive stretches of his career. Through 32 games, he is hitting .297 with four home runs, nine doubles, and 26 RBIs, while maintaining strong plate discipline with 13 walks and just 14 strikeouts.

His consistent presence at the top of the lineup has been critical for Chicago, both offensively and defensively. Hoerner’s ability to generate contact and control at-bats has helped stabilize the Cubs’ offense, earning him recognition as a key engine for the team’s early success.

Cubs remain optimistic as Hoerner eyes quick return

While the situation appears minor, the Cubs will continue to monitor Hoerner closely over the coming days. The infielder noted that the tightness developed during pregame workouts and worsened during in-game action, though he did not rule out a possible connection to being hit by a pitch earlier in the week. “Got some good treatment… we’ll just see how I feel tomorrow when I get here,” Hoerner said, expressing confidence in a quick recovery.

With depth options like Matt Shaw stepping in, Chicago managed to secure the win, but the team’s outlook will largely depend on Hoerner’s health moving forward. For now, early signs suggest the Cubs may have avoided a more serious setback.

A fan captured the moment on video as the rat climbed onto one of the containers used by the Cubs during the game. It was unclear where the animal came from, but it was noticeably large and was later spotted moving around different sections of the stadium, running along the edges and small walls separating the field from the stands.

The video was shared on X by Marcus Leshock, while other Phillies and Cubs fans also caught the rat during the live broadcast. Some recorded their TV screens, revealing the animal roaming farther than initially shown, though the commentators never acknowledged it during the game.

Other rat incidents in MLB

This is not the first time a rat has made an appearance during an MLB game. One of the more recent instances came in 2022 during a matchup between the New York Mets and the Washington Nationals, Bryce Harper’s former team. In that case, the rat was noticed by broadcasters, who even joked about it on air.

There have also been reports at Fenway Park, where a rat was seen running across the outfield, and possibly even inside the Mets’ dugout during a game against the Boston Red Sox. Sightings like these are not uncommon in Boston, though some draw more attention than others.

A rat showing up during a game is hardly an omen. The Phillies may be struggling at 8-15, but their issues have far more to do with on-field performance than anything else. With the loss in Game 2 against the Cubs, they have now extended their current losing streak to seven games.

After the game, Harper delivered a candid assessment of where the team stands. “Yeah, I mean, it’s not where you want to be, obviously. It’s not where we thought we were going to be starting the season. But we can’t really worry about that. We’ve got to flush things as quick as possible and get into tomorrow—that’s part of the game,” he said, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia on X.

The Phillies now sit at 8-14, having dropped six straight and seven of their last eight. They’ve been outscored 42‑10 during that stretch, exposing issues across the roster. Chicago controlled this matchup from the start, building a lead that never seemed in doubt, even as players like Kyle Schwarber continue to project confidence about where the team can go.

Phillies’ inconsistency continues to show on both sides of the ball

Aaron Nola’s outing reflected the broader struggles within the rotation, as the right-hander allowed five earned runs over 4 1/3 innings. The game turned quickly in the second inning when Dansby Swanson delivered a three-run home run, creating an early gap the Phillies never closed.

Offensively, Philadelphia managed just one run despite recording six hits. Harper acknowledged that recent results have not always matched the quality of contact. “I think we’ve had that pretty lately. I think a couple guys here and there have had some pretty hard-hit balls the last couple days, and they just haven’t fallen, but that’s part of the game,” he added.

Harper emphasizes need for immediate improvement as pressure builds

While some elements may come down to timing and luck, Harper made it clear that execution must improve across the board. “We’ve got to win. We’ve got to be better on both sides of the ball. Just got to win games,” he said, underscoring the urgency inside the clubhouse.

The Cubs, meanwhile, received a strong performance from Colin Rea, who threw 6 2/3 innings of one-run baseball while keeping the Phillies’ lineup off balance. Combined with solid defense, Chicago maintained control throughout the game.

For Philadelphia, the path forward centers on adjustments and accountability. With the standings beginning to take shape, Harper’s message reflects a team aware that time is becoming a factor, and that turning things around must happen sooner rather than later.

According to the team’s announcement on X, left-handed pitcher Kyle Backhus was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill the open spot on the 26-man roster. The Phillies did not immediately provide a detailed timeline for Pop’s recovery.

Pop has worked mainly out of the bullpen this season and has also made one start. He holds a 3.68 ERA in his first year with Philadelphia after spending the 2025 season between the Seattle Mariners and New York Mets, a year before the club made a similar move when Phillies placed Yoniel Curet on waivers and the Tigers added him.

How will the Phillies adjust their bullpen without Zach Pop?

The Phillies will now have to manage their relief options more carefully as they prepare to face the Cubs on Wednesday. Pop’s absence removes a depth arm from a bullpen that has been frequently used in close games this month.

Philadelphia enters the matchup at 8–9, sitting a few games behind Atlanta in the NL East standings. While the start has been uneven, the club remains confident the offense will improve over time, especially in key situations with runners on base.

Infielder Trea Turner recently pointed to execution in those moments, emphasizing that the team is close but needs cleaner at-bats to convert opportunities into wins. The Phillies will look to stabilize their roster and avoid further setbacks as the schedule tightens in the coming weeks.

“I think everybody knows in here that we can play a lot better baseball, and we will,” Bregman told reporters, speaking shortly after the Cubs dropped their series to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ahead of the series finale, Bregman remained outwardly confident in the team’s long-term outlook. His poise comes at a time of significant external uncertainty regarding the franchise’s ability to turn the corner in the coming weeks.

Beyond their on-field struggles, the Cubs are bracing for the worst as top prospect Cade Horton deals with a troubling injury. Horton joins a growing list of sidelined arms that includes Matthew Boyd, who is currently stationed on the 15-day Injured List.

What explains the Cubs’ slow start?

The primary culprit behind Chicago’s sluggish start is undoubtedly the injury bug. With rotation staples like Horton, Justin Steele, and Boyd all hampered, the Cubs have been forced to lean heavily on Shota Imanaga and Edward Cabrera, arms that are beginning to show the strain of an overextended rotation.

Furthermore, the Cubs have lacked traditional power at first base following a major blow to the roster: cornerstone Tyler Austin underwent knee surgery. His replacement, Michael Busch, has struggled mightily in the early going, limping to a .125 batting average.

Offensive woes haven’t been limited to the corners. While Nico Hoerner has been a bright spot, slashing .326 with a .970 OPS, the rest of the lineup has failed to follow suit. The lack of production from Busch and Dansby Swanson has hampered the offense, allowing the Milwaukee Brewers to widen their lead in the NL Central standings.

Bregman’s early-season slump

If the Cubs are to emerge from this funk, they will need Bregman to find his rhythm. Despite launching two home runs, the high-profile acquisition has struggled to find holes in the defense, scuffling through a 12-for-54 start with only three runs scored.

Currently slashing .207/.281/.328 with a meager .609 OPS, Bregman has yet to set the tone for the Chicago offense. While his recent comments suggest a turnaround is imminent, there is growing concern within the fan base as the team looks for a spark to ignite the rest of the roster.

“The news to this point is not good,” ESPN insider Jesse Rogers said on ESPN Radio Chicago. “The MRI via multiple sources, not good, not clean, and so he is going to see Dr. Keith Meister today. That’s the Tommy John guy, that’s the guy that Justin Steele saw.“

Horton was placed on the 15-day injured list after being pulled from his start, and while no final decision has been made, the combination of an unclear MRI and a consultation with a specialist has raised significant concern about what could come next for the Cubs’ rotation.

Elsewhere, Cubs manager Craig Counsell mapped out Seiya Suzuki’s return via Double-A rehab stint, signaling the Cubs’ broader effort to manage health across the roster

MRI results raise concern about possible long-term absence

The involvement of Keith Meister, a specialist known for performing major elbow procedures, has only added to the uncertainty. While further evaluation could still rule out the most serious outcome, the current direction has prompted speculation about a potentially extended absence.

Rogers emphasized that no official diagnosis has been confirmed, but the situation mirrors past injury timelines that led to significant setbacks for pitchers. For Chicago, even the possibility of losing Horton for a long stretch would represent a major blow early in the season.

Rotation depth under pressure as uncertainty grows

The Cubs already entered the season with concerns about pitching depth, and Horton’s situation only adds to that pressure. The team had made offseason moves to strengthen the staff, but injuries are once again testing that depth.

If Horton is sidelined for a significant period, Chicago may be forced to rely heavily on its remaining arms while exploring internal or external options. For now, the organization awaits clarity, but the tone surrounding this update suggests a critical moment is approaching.

Suzuki received a green light in his recovery this week and is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Tennessee on Friday. According to Taylor McGregor, Counsell indicated that the Japanese standout could rejoin the big-league club in as little as three to seven days.

The return of a foundational pillar like Suzuki provides a much-needed boost to a Cubs offense that has struggled to find its rhythm. While top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong has flashed potential after being extended by the Cubs, getting Suzuki’s veteran bat back into the heart of the order is a top priority for a team looking to climb above .500.

Tracking Suzuki’s injury

Suzuki’s stint on the shelf dates back to March, when he suffered a right knee PCL sprain while representing Team Japan in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal matchup against Venezuela.

The Cubs’ medical staff opted for a cautious approach, placing him on the 10-day Injured List. While the sprain wasn’t considered severe, the team prioritized rest and localized strengthening to ensure the outfielder would be at 100% for the long haul of the 162-game season.

Bridging the gap

In Suzuki’s absence, Michael Conforto has been tasked with anchoring the vacancy in the outfield. While Conforto hasn’t quite found his power stroke early on, his plate discipline has remained a bright spot; he currently sports an on-base percentage (OBP) hovering around .330.

Here is a look at how Comforto has fared through the first five games of the season: