Cubs’ playoff countdown gets complicated by Kevin Gausman injury and Boston weather

The Cubs are close to October, but the final steps suddenly look less routine. Chicago lost 3-2 to Miami on Wednesday, missing a second straight chance to clinch a postseason berth with a win. Kevin Gausman pitched well before leaving with discomfort in his left shoulder. The Cubs then learned their final series in Boston would begin with a Friday split doubleheader because of the threat of severe weather.

That is a lot to absorb for a team trying to get both its playoff spot and pitching plans settled.

Gausman’s outing ended with an open question

Gausman struck out seven Marlins. Kyle Stowers’ two-run homer in the sixth was his major mistake, but the pitcher hurt his shoulder while making a diving tag at first base later in the inning.

After the game, Gausman said the shoulder still felt weak. He did not claim he would definitely be ready for his next turn, telling reporters he would seek treatment and see how he felt. That uncertainty matters because the Cubs are preparing for a possible best-of-three Wild Card Series beginning Sept. 29. Their priority is securing a berth. Their next task will be deciding who can start when that series arrives.

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The schedule leaves little room to coast

Chicago dropped to 87-71 with the loss. The Cubs were tied with Philadelphia for the second National League wild card after Wednesday, one game behind San Diego, and held head-to-head tiebreakers over both clubs. They first finish their home series against Miami on Thursday. In Boston, Sunday’s originally scheduled Red Sox game has been moved to Friday at 1:05 p.m. ET. Friday’s other game is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. ET. Saturday remains set for 7:15 p.m. ET, although MLB and the teams are monitoring the forecast.

The Cubs went 2-for-26 with runners in scoring position across their two latest losses to Miami. Better chances with men on base would ease the load on a pitching staff facing an unusual finish.

Chicago still controls plenty about its own fate. But Gausman’s shoulder, a compressed trip to Fenway Park and unfinished business in the standings have made this a much more demanding week than it looked a few days ago.

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