Spencer Steer and Elly De La Cruz fueled Cincinnati’s five-homer barrage in a 7-4 win over the Cubs, keeping the Reds in the NL wild-card race. Steer’s two-run shot in the sixth broke a 4-4 tie, and De La Cruz followed with his 20th of the season on the very next pitch.

Miguel Andújar and Matt McLain also connected, while Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw homered for Chicago. Lodolo allowed four runs; Connor Phillips and Emilio Pagan bridged the game to a Reds victory. Cincinnati sits two games back of the Mets for the final wild-card spot as they head into Saturday’s clash with Littell against Assad.

Rockies 6, Cubs 5 at Coors Field: Happ’s eighth-inning three-run homer tied the game, but Daniel Palencia couldn’t seal the deal in the ninth as two Rockies hits quickly ended it. Chicago had jumped early with Busch and Suzuki driving runs, yet starter Matthew Boyd wiggled through six, leaving the bullpen exposed. The loss completes a 5-4 trip in Colorado, complicating the wild-card chase with 25 games left. Cubs now head home to host Atlanta in a pivotal series.

Chicago heads to Coors Field chasing a three-game sweep as they try to flip altitude into an edge. Porter Hodge was recalled and Jordan Wicks optioned, reshaping the Cubs’ bullpen for the Rockies series finale. Ian Happ has carried momentum over a 12-game window, fueling a Cubs offense that will rely on timely hits and on-base prowess against Tanner Gordon and Colorado’s path to stabilize at home.

Denver’s ballpark environment, plus a recent Cubs surge, sets up a bullpen-driven game plan with Chicago hoping to capitalize early and close late. The Rockies must blunt Chicago’s late-inning offense and navigate Coors’ quirks, while squaring against Cubs’ young arms in a high-elevation showdown that could swing fantasy outcomes for hitters like Happ and potential power from Cubs reserve contributors.

Overall, this series leans Cubs if they execute against Rockies’ rotation and leverage their fresh depth, but Coors Field can complicate even strong lineups, so fantasy managers should weigh bullpen usage, leverage spots, and park effects when rostering Cubs and Rockies in daily formats.

Daniel Palencia, the Cubs' emerging closer, has transformed his game under the mentorship of veteran Matthew Boyd. Echoing Boyd's advice, Palencia focuses on authenticity and conviction in his pitching. With a remarkable 1.93 ERA, he stepped into the closer's role after Ryan Pressly's struggles and Porter Hodge's injury. Palencia has seized the opportunity, converting seven of eight save chances while maintaining his playful approach to the game.

Originally a starter, Palencia's transition to the bullpen has been guided by the Cubs' coaching staff. His rapid ascent from Triple-A to the majors highlights his potential as an All-Star closer. While he faced challenges last season, his newfound confidence and composure under pressure have been key to his recent success. Observing veterans like Boyd and Ryan Pressly has helped him refine his game, ensuring he develops his unique style.

The Chicago Cubs are eagerly anticipating the return of left-hander Shota Imanaga, who is set to make a rehab start for Triple-A Iowa. After recovering from a left hamstring strain, Imanaga boasts an impressive 2.82 ERA over eight starts this season, contributing significantly to the Cubs' success in the NL Central.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted that Imanaga's performance on Friday will dictate the next steps for the team. Having made six scoreless innings in his previous rehab starts in the Arizona Complex League, the anticipation is high that he can quickly rejoin the Cubs' rotation and bolster their lead as they aim for a strong finish to the season.

In addition, reliever Porter Hodge is also progressing well, following his recovery from a left oblique strain. Hodge threw a scoreless inning in Iowa and is expected to have at least one more appearance before rejoining the major league team. His return could provide additional depth to a bullpen that is crucial in the late stages of the season.