Counsell, who previously managed the Brewers, is cited as praising Rizzo and Baez as the Cubs’ heart, highlighting the cross-team history and competitive context that shaped Rizzo’s era and the broader NL competitive landscape.

Chourio is back from early-season struggles, delivering at a level that makes him a core piece for Brewers stacks against Pallante, with dual-threat potential on both sides of the ball.

Brewers riding home-field strength and Priester's hot-streak turns; Pallante's struggles tilt the Cardinals series in Milwaukee's favor with a -1.5 run line.

Turang has surged to a .319 clip since the All-Star break (59-for-185), with a .377 OBP, 35 RBI and 33 runs in 48 games. His improved contact—barrel rate up to 8.4% and hard-hit rate to 47.5%—followed by Pallante’s 5.28 ERA and 4.26 xERA, fuels a 1.5 line for hits+runs+RBIs.

Brewers sit atop the NL seed picture in the piece, forming a backdrop to the Phillies’ late‐season run. Their position shapes the NL playoff race and informs how PHI schedules against strong opponents, with postseason seeding hanging in the balance as the final nine games unfold.