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Cubs rival just lost a major weapon right before October showdown

Cubs rival stunned by costly loss right before postseason matchup
ByJordan Campbell|
Los Angeles Angels v Milwaukee Brewers
Los Angeles Angels v Milwaukee Brewers | John Fisher/GettyImages

While the focus has been on the Chicago Cubs likely playing the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card round, it may have been lost on Cubs fans that a divisional round series against the Milwaukee Brewers would be on deck for the Cubs if they advance past the Padres. A series that could see the Brewers without a key piece in their rotation.

On Sunday, the Brewers placed veteran starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff on the 15-day IL with a lat strain. The timing of the IL stint means that Woodruff would not be eligible to return until Game 4 of the NLDS on October 4. That timeline may be too optimistic, as Brewers' manager Pat Murphy was not ready to discuss Woodruff's playoff availability.

Cubs rival loses vital piece at worst possible time before playoff clash

After missing the entire 2024 season recovering from shoulder surgery, Woodruff has been excellent upon his return to the Brewers' rotation this season. In 12 starts before the injury, Woodruff had an ERA of 3.20 and struck out over 32% of the hitters he had faced. For a Cubs lineup that has struggled to score runs with any form of consistency during the final month of the season, facing Woodruff in a series against the Brewers wouldn't be ideal.

While the Brewers are on track to finish the regular season with the best record in the National League, the Cubs shouldn't be too fearful of a playoff series against their division rival. In 13 games between the Cubs and Brewers this season, the North Siders have the advantage with a record of 7-6. Now, add in the fact that the Brewers may be without Woodruff, and it's hard not to be optimistic about the Cubs' chances.

Of course, the Cubs are not without injury concerns of their own. Most notably, it remains uncertain if Kyle Tucker is going to play another game this season. If Tucker is sidelined, that certainly doesn't bode well for the Cubs' chances against the Brewers, let alone making it past the Padres in the Wild Card round.

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