The Latest Breaking News from Cubs

Notes: Closer Adbert Alzolay and corner infielder Jeimer Candelario are nearing returns.

The Braves took the lead on Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki’s two-out error in the eighth inning. The Cubs dropped a game behind the Diamondbacks in the battle for the second wild-card spot and saw their lead over the Marlins for the third and final spot cut to a half-game.

“Sitting on the bench watching the game for six to nine innings, it’s easy to stay engaged when we’re playing the type of baseball we’re playing,” Crow-Armstrong said.

Until Merryweather was able to escape his bases-loaded jam, sealing a scoreless inning in an eventual 6-3 win, the litany of reliever injury updates Saturday were top of mind.

Stroman allowed three runs in three innings in his first start back from the IL.

In the wake of the surprise news of Marcus Stroman’s return to the rotation, there was no word on how the Cubs will reorder their starters.

With the win, the Cubs moved back into the NL’s third wild-card spot.

Losing a series to an under-.500 team could cost the Cubs a playoff spot.

Hendricks pitched at Wrigley Field on Thursday for the last time this regular season. Whether he’ll be back is up to the Cubs.