The Cubs’ offense remains a fluctuating theme as they drop another 4-1 decision to Atlanta. Elder kept Chicago blanked for the second time in a week, while Imanaga labored early but steadied into six innings. Nico Hoerner provided Chicago’s lone extra-base hit with a double, and Matt Shaw added a seventh-inning sac fly, but the Cubs’ bats didn’t sustain pressure. With 18 games left, the Cubs must bolt their lineup back to consistent scoring to chase the playoffs. Atlanta, leaning on a sharp first inning and a resilient bullpen, holds serve as the schedule tightens.

Imanaga’s adjustments after the first helped limit damage, but the Braves’ early onslaught set the tone. Hoerner stressed the need for a unified, high-intensity approach, while the Cubs look to rebound with offensive stability. The Braves’ aggression in the opening frame underscored the gap the Cubs must close, especially as the postseason picture nears.

Boyd delivered another quality start for Chicago, keeping the Cubs in a tight ballgame as Daylen Lile’s tiebreaking homer carried Nationals to a 2-1 victory. Chicago drew seven walks but couldn’t cash in, leaving fantasy managers waiting for a spark from the top of the order. Crow-Armstrong is turning heads as a growing depth option, while Swanson and Happ provide steady counting stats down the stretch. PCA’s knee contusion could shuffle the Cubs’ outfield mix, adding risk but also opportunity for emergent players. Tucker’s injury update with Houston adds a cross-team wrinkle for late-season lineups.

The Cubs pounded Washington 11-5 at Wrigley, riding a four-homer attack with Dansby Swanson, Reese McGuire, Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ all going deep. Hoerner’s shot gave him his sixth of the year and his first at Wrigley since 2024, as Sosa watched from the stands during the Hall of Fame weekend. Jake Irvin struggled early, while Pete Crow-Armstrong used a day off to reset and finish 2-for-3 with two sacrifice flies. For fantasy, Chicago’s home-hitting power remains a prime target as Washington deals with a rough starter turnover and big innings.