Cubs Struggle in June, Pitching Weaknesses Threaten NL Central Lead

The Chicago Cubs have had a strong season overall but experienced a mediocre June, finishing the month at .500 with a 13-13 record, their worst month so far. Despite this, they have shown improvement in recent weeks, notably increasing their run production and leading MLB in home runs for June. Their bullpen has been exceptional, posting the best ERA in MLB for the month, contributing significantly to keeping games close. The Cubs' division lead has shrunk as rivals like the Brewers and Cardinals have gained ground, although their playoff odds remain stable around 83%. Looking ahead, the Cubs face a six-game homestand starting with a sub-.500 Cleveland Guardians team, followed by the Cardinals and others, with hopes that key pitcher Shōta Imanaga's return will help sustain their competitiveness. Meanwhile, the Guardians continue to struggle against left-handed pitching, which could be an advantage for the Cubs in their upcoming series.