Overview

• Milwaukee has gone 45–16 (.737) since May 25 to open a four-game cushion atop the NL Central
• Kyle Tucker’s July slump, with an OPS under .700, has stalled Chicago’s offense and threatens his next contract value
• Chicago’s July 31 deadline haul of Taylor Rogers, Andrew Kittredge, Mike Soroka and utility man Willi Castro bolstered depth but left frontline pitching questions unanswered
• GM Carter Hawkins has defended his disciplined trade approach as a balance between this season’s playoff bid and the club’s long-term health
• The Mets have lost eight of nine games with starters posting a 5.08 ERA since June 13 and are debating calls for prospects Nolan McLean or Brandon Sproat before the Milwaukee series