Cubs avoid Mariners sweep as updated MLB playoff picture and Wild Card standings come into focus

It's hard to look at the Chicago Cubs' weekend against the Seattle Mariners as anything but a disappointment. After losing the first two games in Seattle, the Cubs did have a 19-2 drubbing of the Mariners on Sunday but the larger point of the MLB playoff picture, and specifically, the National League Wild Card standings, prove that the Cubs can't afford many more series losses.

With a record of 75-56, the Cubs are still in a strong position to make the playoffs. Entering play on Monday, FanGraphs gives the Cubs over a 97% chance of doing so. That said, after the trade deadline, it seemed that the Cubs had an eye on catching the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central.

While the Cubs briefly got within four games of the Brewers after the deadline, Milwaukee's lead has once again extended back out to six games. The Cubs and Brewers still have to play each other seven more times, so the door isn't completely shut, but it's still looks like too high of a mountain climb.

The focus remains on the National League Wild Card. Since the Cubs have turned the corner from their early-season struggles, they've firmly been positioned as the top Wild Card team in the National League. That's still the case, but the Philadelphia Phillies have suddenly entered the conversation.

Cubs avoid Mariners sweep with National League Wild Card picture growing more urgent

To remind everyone, the difference between being the first Wild Card team, and the second or third, is the ability to host the series. As things are currently lined up, the Cubs would host the Phillies at Wrigley Field. The San Diego Padres, as the third Wild Card team, would play the Atlanta Braves, winners of the National League East, in Atlanta. The Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers would currently have a first-round bye.

While the Cubs took six of seven games against the Phillies this season, this very much is a different Philadelphia team. The Phillies have won nine consecutive games, and the idea of facing Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sanchez, and Jesús Luzardo in consecutive games is daunting task. As of now, the only thing that separates that series from being played at Wrigley Field instead of Citizens Bank Park is two games.

In other words, just because the Cubs should make the playoffs, that doesn't mean there still isn't work to do. The Cubs have to stack wins against bad teams, and anything other than that could flip their Wild Card advantage.

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