The Chicago Cubs sit on the edge of greatness but have hit a rough patch, getting swept by the San Francisco Giants 21-11 as August wears on. Their pitching has shown cracks in allowing double-digit runs, while the offense has been stingy, averaging around four runs but delivering sub-three in 9 of 10 losses this month. A shake-up in the rotation and lineup is floated as a remedy, with critics blasting Counsell’s batting order and outfield handling. Matt Shaw remains the lone steady kid in the middle of the malaise, often miscast lower in the order and urged to be bumped up for spark.

Shaw’s production stands out despite his ninth-slot hold, and the article argues moving him up could jumpstart offbeat scoring and give the Cubs a jolt at the plate. With the NL Central race tightening, Chicago eyes a practical reset that could swing both real and fantasy outcomes, elevating Shaw, Happ, and Crow-Armstrong into more productive roles if the lineup gets a much-needed kick-start.