"When we checked in last week, the Cubs' playoff odds were around 75% as they headed into a weekend series against the Diamondbacks. Seven wins later, things have changed just a little bit. They're now tied for the best record in baseball, and they've also got the second-largest division lead behind the Braves, who are up by eight games on the Nationals. Wait, the Nats? Yeah, 18-20 is good enough for second in the joke that is the NL East."
"The Braves are quite legit, though, and they will host the Cubs for three games starting next Tuesday. That will follow the Cubs' first break in 10 days, which might not seem like much under normal circumstances. But given the way their pitchers keep falling victim to one sort of injury or another, they need all the rest they can get. It's too bad the Rangers play in a dome because a rain-out in one of the next three would not be the worst thing."
"Below is the latest graph of the playoff odds in the Central, and you can see how the Cubs have taken off since their streak began. Following a dip on April 11, they have gained nearly 50 points by winning 19 of their last 22 games. As you surely already know, that includes 15 straight home games and separate runs of 10 and nine wins."
"I've seen more than one person try to dismiss this hot stretch by citing the opponents, but anyone with an ounce of critical thinking skills knows how difficult it is to win four in a row, let alone nine or 15. Yes, those three losses came against the two best teams they played, but splitting six games in LA and San Diego is hardly some sort of scarlet L."
Cubs’ playoff odds rose to about 75% before a weekend series, then improved after seven more wins. They are now tied for the best record in baseball and hold the second-largest division lead behind the Braves, who lead by eight games over the Nationals. The Braves host the Cubs for three games starting next Tuesday after the Cubs’ first break in 10 days. Pitching injuries have increased the need for rest. The Cubs have gained nearly 50 playoff-odds points since a streak began, following a dip on April 11. They won 19 of 22 games, including 15 straight home games, with runs of 10 and nine wins. They are also on a streak of four consecutive home sweeps, including two four-game sweeps.
Read at Cubsinsider
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