Reds Narrow NL Wild Card Gap After Win Against Cubs

The Cincinnati Reds are currently two games behind the New York Mets for the final National League Wild Card spot but hold the tiebreaker advantage, positioning them well for a postseason berth if they finish with the same record. Reds manager Terry Francona faces a critical decision about potentially reshuffling the starting rotation to allow ace Hunter Greene two more starts during the final week of the regular season, a move that could boost their playoff chances but risks Greene's availability for the Wild Card Series. The Reds recently beat the Chicago Cubs and will rely on strong pitching performances from Nick Lodolo and others as they continue their push. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 and are on track to reach 90 wins for the first time since 2018, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise under manager Craig Consell. The Cubs' journey back to the postseason involved overcoming mid-season slumps and injuries but showcased key performances from players like Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki. Both teams are navigating critical late-season matchups with high stakes for playoff positioning, highlighting an intense National League Wild Card race.