Soroka is on track to rejoin the Chicago Cubs after shoulder strain, flashing a 96.6 mph fastball in a Triple-A Iowa rehab appearance. Initial return could lean bullpen-ward as Chicago manages workload, with a longer runway if needed. Palencia is sidelined by a right shoulder strain, while Kyle Tucker battles calf issues. Suzuki is ill and Ballesteros replaced him as DH. Soroka arrived in a deadline deal with Washington, as the Cubs prep for a Tampa Bay series and gauge bullpen depth.

The Cubs leaned on Turner against left-handers, turning a tie game into a 3-2 win with a go-ahead RBI double off Sale after fending off an 0-2 count. Taillon returned from the IL to give Chicago 4 1/3 innings, keeping the Braves at bay while the lineup leaned into baserunning and timely hits from Suzuki and Kelly. The surge in steals—six in the series and counting—combined with steady pitching gives Chicago a late-season spark as October approaches.

Carlos Santana and Aaron Civale joined the Cubs as the playoff chase intensified, giving Chicago veteran depth and bullpen flexibility. Santana, a switch-hitter with post-season pedigree, slides onto Counsell’s bench and offers insurance for a potential lineup shuffle. Civale profiles as a bulk-relief option who could start if needed, preserving rotation options. Cubs promotions of Alcántara and Caissie add youthful upside as Pete Crow-Armstrong cools at the plate.

The moves underscore a pragmatic, veteran-flavored infusion to fortify a 28-man roster on the cusp of a championship push, with Santana eyeing a title before retirement and Civale aiming to leverage this fresh opportunity for impact in high-leverage moments.

Atlanta wraps a 10-game road trip in Chicago with a three-game set against the Cubs, NL Central rivals chasing a postseason spot. Cubs voters feature Pete Crow-Armstrong closing in on 30/30, Kyle Tucker at a 20/20 pace, plus Michael Busch, Seiya Suzuki and Nico Hoerner driving the lineup. Atlanta leans on its bats while Chicago’s bullpen has shined, yet the rotation remains a relative weakness. Games run Monday through Wednesday with broadcast options on FanDuel networks and MLB.tv streams available.