Contents

2023 Chicago Cubs season

2023 Chicago Cubs
League	National League
Division	Central
Ballpark	Wrigley Field
City	Chicago
Record	83–79 (.512)
Divisional place	2nd
Owners	Tom Ricketts
President of baseball operations	Jed Hoyer
General managers	Carter Hawkins
Managers	David Ross
Television	Marquee Sports Network
Radio	WSCR Chicago Cubs Radio Network
← 2022 Seasons 2024 →

The 2023 Chicago Cubs season was the 152nd season of the Chicago Cubs franchise, the 148th in the National League, and the Cubs' 108th season at Wrigley Field. The Cubs were led by fourth-year manager David Ross and played as members of Major League Baseball's National League Central. The Cubs began the season March 30 at home against the Milwaukee Brewers and also finished the season against the Brewers in Milwaukee on October 1.^[1] With a win over the Rockies on September 24, the Cubs clinched a winning season, the team's first since 2020. The Cubs finished the season 83–79 to finish in second place in the Central, nine games behind the Brewers. They finished one game out of the final wild card spot.^[2] As a result, they failed to make the postseason for the third consecutive season.^[3]

Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement entered into by the owners in players ending 2022 lockout, the Cubs played every team in baseball at least one series and intra-division games were reduced from 18 or 19 games to 13 games against each division opponent.^[4]

Previous season[edit]

The Cubs finished the 2022 season 74–88 in third place in the Central division, 19 games out of first place.^[5] They missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Offseason[edit]

Coaching changes[edit]

On October 28, 2022, the team announced that hitting coach Greg Brown would not return.^[6] Cubs' minor league hitting coordinator, Dustin Kelly, was named the new hitting coach.^[7]

Rule changes[edit]

Pursuant to the CBA, new rule changes were in place for the 2023 season:^[8]

• institution of a pitch clock between pitches;
• limits on pickoff attempts per plate appearance;
• limits on defensive shifts requiring two infielders to be on either side of second and be within the boundary of the infield; and
• larger bases (increased to 18-inch squares).

Transactions[edit]

October 2022[edit]

Source^[9]

November 2022[edit]

Source^[10]

December 2022[edit]

Source^[11]

January 2023[edit]

Source^[12]

February 2023[edit]

Source^[13]

March 2023[edit]

Source^[14]

Regular season[edit]

Game Log[edit]

Season standings[edit]

National League Central[edit]

National League Wild Card[edit]

Record vs. opponents[edit]

Record vs. National League[edit]

Updated with the results of all games through October 1, 2023.

Record vs. American League[edit]

Updated with the results of all games through October 1, 2023.

Opening Day starters[edit]

Thursday, March 30, 2023 vs. Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field^[16]

Season summary[edit]

March[edit]

• March 22 – The Cubs announced that Marcus Stroman would be the Opening Day starting pitcher.^[17]
• March 30 – In the first game of the season, the Cubs faced the Milwaukee BrewersatWrigley Field. Marcus Stroman pitched six scoreless innings for the win while three relievers combined to shut out the Brewers 4–0. Dansby Swanson had three hits and drove in a run in his Cub debut.^[18]

April[edit]

• April 1 – After a scheduled off day, the Cubs resumed their three-game series with the Brewers. Justin Steele pitched six scoreless innings and left with a 1–0 lead. However, Javier Assad allowed three runs in 1.1 innings of relief as the Cubs lost 3–1. Dansby Swanson continued his hot start to the season, notching three hits while Ian Happ hit the Cubs' first homer of the season.^[19]
• April 2 – In the finale of the opening series, Jameson Taillon made his Cub debut and gave up three runs on seven hits in four innings of work. New Cub Julian Merryweather also struggled, allowing five runs while only getting two outs. Patrick Wisdom hit two home runs for the Cubs, but it was not enough as they lost 9–5 to the Brewers.^[20]
• April 3 – In their first road game of the season the Cubs visited Cincinnati to face the Reds. Drew Smyly struggled, allowing seven runs in 4.2 innings of work. Cody Bellinger hit his first home run as a Cub and drove in three runs. Dansby Swanson added three hits while Eric Hosmer drove in three. Keegan Thompson pitched 3.1 innings of scoreless relief, but it was not enough as the Cubs lost 7–6.^[21]
• April 4 – Hayden Wesneski pitched 4.2 innings and allowed three runs in his season debut against the Reds. However, the Cub offense picked up the pitching, as Patrick Wisdom, Ian Happ, and Nico Hoerner each had three hits in the game. Trey Manicini and Wisdom each drove in three runs as the Cubs used a six-run seventh to pull away for the easy 12–5 win.^[22]
• April 7 – Following a rainout and scheduled off day, the Cubs returned home to face the Texas Rangers. Marcus Stroman again pitched well, going six innings and allowing no runs. Ian Happ and Cody Bellinger each drove in a run as the Cubs shut out the Rangers 2–0.^[23]
• April 8 – In game two of the series against the Rangers, Ian Happ drove in three runs while Eric Hosmer drove in two. Patrick Wisdom hit his third home run of the season while Justin Steele allowed only one run in six innings. The Cubs won their third straight 10–3.^[24]
• April 9 – In the finale of the season series against the Rangers, Jameson Taillon allowed five runs in six innings while Javier Assad allowed three runs in three innings of relief as the Cubs lost 8–2. Edwin Ríos hit his first home run as a Cub in the loss.^[25]
• April 10 – The Cubs stayed at Wrigley to face the Seattle Mariners. Drew Smyly allowed one run in five innings and the Cubs led 2–1 on RBIs by Cody Bellinger and Eric Hosmer. However, in the top of the ninth, Michael Fulmer allowed a game-tying homer to Jarred Kelenic. In extras, Keegan Thompson pitched out of a bases loaded jam to take the game to the bottom of the 10th still tied. Nick Madrigal, the Manfred runner at second to start the inning, stole third before Nico Hoerner singled him in for the 3–2 win.^[26]
• April 11 – Hayden Wesneski allowed seven runs in 1.1 innings as the Cubs fell behind 7–0 to the Mariners. However, a two-run home run for Trey Mancini and Nelson Velázquez's grand slam as part of an eight-run third inning gave the Cubs the lead. The Cub bullpen allowed only two runs in 7.2 innings of relief as the Cubs came from behind to notch a 14–9 win. Nico Hoerner had two RBIs and scored three runs while Dansby Swanson also drove in two in the win.^[27]
• April 12 – In the finale of the series against the Mariners, Marcus Stroman again pitched well, allowing his first two runs of the season in six innings. The Cub bullpen allowed three more runs as the Cubs scored only two runs and lost 5–2.^[28]
• April 14 – After an off day, the Cubs traveled to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers. Justin Steele pitched seven innings while allowing only two runs. Meanwhile, the Cub offense hit five home runs with Yan Gomes hitting two of them. Ian Happ had four hits, including a homer, and drove in three. Seiya Suzuki homered in his return to the lineup as the Cubs beat the Dodgers 8–2.^[29]
• April 15 – In game two of the series against the Dodgers, Jameson Taillon allowed no runs in five innings. The Cub bullpen allowed only one base runner until the ninth when Michael Fulmer allowed three hits to lose the game as the Cubs lost 2–1. Patrick Wisdom hit his fifth homer of the season in the loss.^[30]
• April 16 – In the finale of the series against the Dodgers, Patrick Wisdom and Cody Bellinger hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth while Bellinger scored the Cubs' first run of the game in the fifth. Drew Smyly allowed only one run in 5.2 innings of work as the Cubs won their third straight series, beating the Dodger 3–2.^[31]
• April 17 – The Cubs next visited the AthleticsinOakland. Patrick Wisdom homered twice and drove in four runs as the Cubs clobbered the A's 10–1. Cody Bellinger had a career-high five hits while Ian Happ drove in three runs in the easy win. Hayden Wesneski allowed only one run in seven innings to earn the win. The win moved the Cubs to 9–6 on the season.^[32]
• April 18 – In the second game of the series against the A's, Marcus Stroman continued his hot start to the season by pitching six scoreless innings and allowing only two hits. The game went to the eighth still in scoreless tie before the Cubs scored four runs to take a 4–0 lead. The Cub bullpen shut out the A's as the Cubs notched their third straight win while the A's lost their sixth straight. The 4–0 win moved the Cubs to 9–3 in the prior 12 games.^[33]
• April 19 – In the finale of the series against the A's, Justin Steele pitched six scoreless innings and allowed only one earned run. The Cub offense added four runs in the sixth and five in the ninth to win the game 12–2. Eric Hosmer hit his first home run as a Cub while Patrick Wisdom, Ian Happ, and Nick Madrigal each drove in two in the win. The win was the Cubs' fourth in a row, all on the road.^[34]
• April 20 – Returning home to face the Dodgers in a four-game series, Javier Assad made a spot start for the injured Jameson Taillon. He allowed two runs in three innings of work. The Cub bullpen pitched well in relief, holding the Dodgers scoreless until the ninth. With the game tied at two, Michael Fulmer got into a bases loaded jam before allowing a grand slam by James Outman as the Cubs lost 6–2.^[35]
• April 21 – In game two of the series against the Dodgers, Drew Smyly pitched seven perfect innings before allowing a hit to the first batter in the eighth. Nico Heorner homered and drove in four runs while Patrick Wisdom, Trey Mancini, and Cody Bellinger also homered as the Cubs blew out the Dodgers 13–0.^[36]
• April 22 – In the third game of the series against the Dodgers, Haden Wesneski allowed three runs in 4.1 innings of work. the Cub bullpen surrendered an additional six runs as the Cubs lost 9–4. Nico Hoerner homered for the second consecutive day and drove in two runs in the loss. The loss dropped the Cubs to 12–8 on the season.^[37]
• April 23 – In the finale of the season series against the Dodgers, Marcus Stroman, who had only allowed two runs in four previous starts, gave up five runs in five innings. Yan Gomes homered while Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki each drove in a run. But, it was not enough as the Cubs lost 7–3.^[38]
• April 25 – After an off day, the San Diego Padres came to Wrigley for a three-game series. Yan Gomes went four for four with a homer and three RBIs as the Cubs beat the Padres 6–0. Nico Hoerner drove in three with a bases loaded triple in the eighth to secure the win. Justin Steele pitched 5.1 scoreless innings and four relievers shut out the Padres.^[39]
• April 26 – In game two of the series against the Padres, Drew Smyly allowed two runs in five innings while the bullpen surrendered three more runs. Trey Mancini homered and drove in two runs, but it was not enough as the Cubs lost 5–3.^[40]
• April 27 – In the finale of the homestand, Haden Wesneski allowed only one run in five innings of work. Eric Hosmer and Nelson Velásquez hit back-to-back home runs in the second while Dansby Swanson hit his first home run of the season. The Cub bullpen only allowed one run in relief as the Cubs beat the Padres 5–2.^[41] The win moved the Cubs to 14–10 on the season.
• April 28 – The Cubs went on the road to face the Miami MarlinsinMiami. Marcus Stroman allowed two runs in 6.1 innings of work. Nelson Velásquez homered and Nico Hoerner drove in a run in the game. However, with the game tied at two in the ninth, Michael Rucker gave up a single, hit the next two batters and then gave up the game-running single as the Cubs lost 3–2.^[42]
• April 29 – Making his first start of the year, Caleb Kilian allowed seven runs and 10 hits in 3.1 innings. The Cub bullpen pitched masterfully, shutting out the Marlins for the final four innings. Patrick Wisdom hit a two-run homer in the second and Cody Bellinger added a homer in the sixth as the Cubs drew within one run in the eighth, but get no further as they lost their second straight to the Marlins, 7–6.^[43]
• April 30 – In the finale of the series against the Marlins, Justin Steele allowed three runs (two earned) in six innings. Cody Bellinger hit a homer for the second consecutive day and drove in two, but the Cubs lost again 4–3, their third straight loss by one run. The Marlins' sweep of the Cubs dropped the Cubs to 14–13 on the season.^[44]

May[edit]

• May 1 – The Cubs next traveled to Washington, D.C. to face the Nationals for a four-game series. Drew Smyly pitched seven innings and allowed only one run. Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ homered as the Cubs beat the Nationals 5–1.^[45]
• May 2 – Haden Wesneski pitched well, allowing only one run in six innings, but Keegan Thompson allowed three runs while only getting only one out as the Cubs lost to the Nationals 4–1.^[46]
• May 3 – In game three against the Nationals, Marcus Stroman allowed only one run in six innings. However, the bullpen again surrendered the lead as Adbert Alzolay allowed a run and three hits while only getting two outs as the Cubs lost 2–1. The loss dropped the Cubs to 15–15 on the season.^[47]
• May 4 – In the finale of the series against the Nationals, Jameson Taillon returned to the rotation and allowed three runs in three innings. The Cubs tied the game at three in the eighth on a Nico Hoerner single. With the game tied at three in the bottom of the ninth, Alex Call hit the winning home run on the first pitch as the Cubs lost their sixth game in the prior seven. The loss moved the Cubs under .500 on the season.^[48]
• May 5 – Returning home to face the Marlins, Justin Steele pitched seven innings while allowing only one run. Ian Happ hit a two-run home run in the fifth and Matt Mervis, playing in his first major league game, drove in a run as the Cubs won 4–1.^[49]
• May 6 – In game two of the series against the Marlins, Drew Smyly allowed two runs in 3.1 innings and the Cubs trailed 2–1 going into the eighth. In the eighth, Nick Madrigal drove in two runs and Miguel Amaya got his first major league hit to drive in another run as the Cubs won 4–2. The win moved the Cubs back to a game over .500.^[50]
• May 7 – In the finale of the series against the Marlins, the Cubs trailed 2–0 entering the bottom of the ninth. Cory Bellinger doubled in a run and scored on an Eric Hosmer single to tie the game and force extra innings. Both teams scored in the 10th and 13th, but the game remained tied at four entering the 14th inning. Adbert Alzolay balked in a run from third and the Cubs could not push across the tying run as they lost 5–4.^[51]
• May 8 – The Cubs next played the last place St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Marcus Stroman pitched six innings while allowing two runs. However, former Cub Willson Contreras doubled and drove in two runs for the Cardinals as the Cubs lost 3–1. The loss dropped the Cubs to 17–18 on the season. Nico Hoerner left the game with an apparent hamstring injury.^[52]
• May 9 – In game two of the series against the Cardinals, Jameson Taillon gave four runs in 2.2 innings. Javier Assad pitched 5.1 innings of relief, but allowed two runs in the top of the ninth as the Cubs lost 6–4. Christopher Morel, called up to replace the injured Hoerner, homered in his season debut while Dansby Swanson homered, doubled twice, and drove in three in the loss.^[53]
• May 10 – In the finale of the series against the Cardinals, Justin Steele pitched six innings and allows three runs. Yan Gomes, returning from the injured list, had three hits including a two-run home run. Patrick Wisdom added a two-run homer as well as the Cubs blew out the Cardinals 10–4 to avoid the sweep.^[54]
• May 12 – After an off day, the Cubs traveled to play the Minnesota Twins. Trailing 2–1 in the seventh, Matt Mervis doubled in a run and Yan Gomes drove in Mervis to give the Cubs a 3–2 lead. Christopher Morel added his second home run of the season while Cody Bellinger drove in a run in the ninth as the Cubs won 6–2.^[55]
• May 13 – In game two of the series, Haden Wesneski allowed seven runs in five innings as the Twins blew out the Cubs 11–1.^[56]
• May 14 – In the finale of the series against the Twins, the Cubs were blown out again, losing 16–3. Marcus Stroman surrendered six runs in 2.2 innings while the Cub bullpen allowed six more runs. Pitching the ninth in the blowout, IF Miles Mastrobuoni allowed four runs while getting only one out. The loss dropped the Cubs to 19–21 on the season.^[57]
• May 15 – The Cubs next travelled to Houston to face the Astros. Jameson Taillon gave up four runs in 4.2 innings, but Christopher Morel's fourth home run in six games, a three-run homer, tied the game at four in the fourth. However, Michael Fulmer allowed a two-run homer to Alex Bregman in the seventh that gave the Astros the 6–4 win.^[58] Cody Bellinger left the game with an apparent leg injury after making a jumping catch against the wall in the seventh.^[59]
• May 16 – In game two against the Astros, Justin Steele allowed five runs in six innings while the bullpen allowed two runs. Matt Mervis hit his first career home run and Seiya Suzuki hit his third of the season, but it was not enough as the Cubs lost 7–3. The loss marked the Cubs fourth in a row and seventh in the prior nine games.^[60]
• May 17 – In the finale of the series against the Astros, Seiya Suzuki hit home runs in his first two at-bats while Christopher Morel homered again to give the Cubs a 6–1 lead. Drew Smyly allowed only one run in six innings as the Cubs looked to end their losing streak. However, Mark Leiter Jr. allowed two runs in the eighth and Keegan Thompson gave up three runs while facing only three batters in the ninth as the Astros rallied for the 7–6 win.^[61]
• May 19 – After an off day, the Cubs travelled to Philadelphia to face the Phillies. Marcus Stroman allowed only one run in three innings while the Cub bullpen shut out the Phillies. Nico Hoerner, returning to the lineup from the injured list, had three hits and drove in four runs. Christopher Morel homered and drove in two runs as the Cubs blew out the Phillies 10–1.^[62]
• May 20 – In game two of the series against the Phillies, James Taillon gave up eight runs in 2.1 innings while the Cub bullpens surrendered four runs in relief as the Cubs were blown out 12–3. Christopher Morel homered again for the Cubs, his seventh homer in 10 games, in the loss.^[63]
• May 21 – After struggling in his previous outing, Justin Steele pitched six scoreless innings. However, Adbert Alzolay gave up two runs in relief as the Cubs lost their seventh game in the prior eight.^[64] Christopher Morel hit his eighth homer, in only his 10th game of the season, as the Cubs lost 2–1.
• May 23 – After an off day, the Cubs returned home to face the New York Mets. Drew Smyly pitched five-plus innings and allowed only two runs. Matt Mervis homered and drove in three runs as the Cubs won easily 7–2.^[65] Christopher Morel homered for the ninth time in his 12 games on the season and for the fifth consecutive game which tied a franchise record held by Sammy Sosa.^[66]
• May 24 – Marcus Stroman pitched eight innings while allowing only two runs and four hits as the Cubs beat the Mets 4–2. Mark Leiter Jr. pitched a perfect ninth for the save. Nico Hoerner homered for the Cubs while Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Mike Tauchman each drove in a run in the win.^[67]
• May 25 – Kyle Hendricks returned to the mound for the first time on the season and allowed five runs, three earned, in 4.1 innings of work. Michael Rucker allowed five runs in 2.2 innings of relief and Tucker Barnhart pitched a scoreless inning of relief as the Cubs were blown out by the Mets 10–1.^[68]
• May 26 – Justin Steele allowed six runs and 10 hits in 3.2 innings of work as the Cincinnati Reds blew out the Cubs 9–0. The Cubs managed only two hits while surrendering 19 in the loss.^[69]
• May 27 – James Taillon continued his struggles on the season as he allowed four runs in 4.2 innings. The Cub bullpen also allowed four runs. Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson each drove in two runs, but it was not enough as the Cubs lost 8–5.^[70]
• May 28 – Patrick Wisdom homered twice and drove in all five runs, but Cub pitching again struggled. Drew Smyly allowed five runs in 4.2 innings while the bullpen surrendered three more runs. The 8–5 loss was the Cubs fourth straight as they were swept by the Reds.^[71]
• May 29 – On Memorial Day, the Cubs faced the best team in baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays, at Wrigley Field. Marcus Stroman pitched a complete game shutout while Mike Tauchman drove in the only run as the Cubs won 1–0.^[72]
• May 30 – Kyle Hendricks pitched five innings and allowed only one run while the Cub bullpen shut out the Rays. Nico Hoerner homered on the first pitch of the bottom of the first and Mike Tauchman drove in a run in the sixth to give the Cubs the 2–1 win.^[73]
• May 31 – In the finale of the series against the Rays, Justin Steele pitched six perfect innings before leaving with an arm issue. Haden Wesneski pitched 3.2 innings of relief and allowed only run. However, Mark Leiter Jr. surrendered two home runs as the Cubs lost 4–3.^[74]

June[edit]

• June 2 – After an off day, the Cubs travelled to San Diego to face the Padres. Jameson Taillon pitched well, allowing only one run in 5.2 innings. The Cub bullpen also pitched well, shutting out the Padres in 3.1 innings of relief. An Ian Happ fielder's choice gave the Cubs the lead and Dansby Swanson homered to give the Cubs the 2–1 win.^[75]
• June 3 – In game two of the series, Drew Smyly allowed three runs in 5.2 innings while Jeremiah Estrada allowed three in the eighth as the Padres shut out the Cubs 6–0.^[76]
• June 4 – Yan Gomes and Trey Mancini hit back-to-back home runs in the second and Miguel Amaya had three hits, including his first career home run in the third, as the Cubs blew out the Padres 7–1. Marcus Stroman allowed one run in six innings and the Cub bullpen shut out the Padres for the Cubs' fourth win in the previous six games.^[77]
• June 5 – In the finale of the series against the Padres, Kyle Hendricks allowed four runs in six innings as the Cubs were shut out 5–0.^[78]
• June 6 – The Cubs next traveled to Anaheim to face the Angels. The Cubs took an early 4–0 lead on a two-run single by Mike Tauchman and a two-run double by Matt Mervis. However, the Cubs allowed five runs in the fifth as they lost to the Angels 7–4.^[79]
• June 7 – In game two of the series with the Angels, Jameson Taillon gave up four runs in 5.1 innings and Mark Leiter Jr. allowed two more as the Cubs lost 6–2.^[80]
• June 8 – In the finale of the series against the Angels, Drew Smyly allowed three runs in six innings, but the Cubs only managed one run as they were swept by the Angels 3–1. The loss dropped the Cubs 10 games under .500 (26–36) on the season.^[81]
• June 9 – The Cubs next travelled to San Francisco to face the Giants. Marcus Stroman allowed two runs in 6.2 innings while Nico Hoerner drove in two with a pinch-hit single in the seventh. Tucker Barnhart drove in the third run of the game as the Cubs held on for the 3–2 win.^[82]
• June 10 – Kyle Hendricks took a no-hitter into the eighth as the Cubs shut out the Giants 4–0. Matt Mervis and Christopher Morel each hit solo home runs while Morel drove in two more runs in the win.^[83]
• June 11 – Hayden Wesneski allowed five runs in three innings while the Cub bullpen allowed eight as the Cubs were blown out by the Giants 13–3.^[84]
• June 13 – After an off day, the Cubs returned home to face the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ian Happ homered and drove in four runs while Christopher Morel also homered and drove in three as the Cubs blew out the Pirates 11–3. Jameson Taillon pitched six innings while allowing only three runs in the win.^[85]
• June 14 – In game two against the Pirates, the Cubs fell behind 5–1 early. However, a six-run sixth inning, led by Dansby Swanson's two hits in the inning, gave the Cubs the lead. They stretched the lead again in the eighth and won 10–6. Swanson and Mike Tauchman each had three hits in the game while four different Cubs drove in two runs.^[86]
• June 15 – Marcus Stroman allowed two runs in six innings of work while Ian Happ and Christopher Morel each drove in two runs. Cody Bellinger, in his first game back from the injured list, played first and drove in a run as the Cubs won 7–2 to sweep the series against the Pirates. The win moved the Cubs six games under .500, only 3.5 games out of first in the mediocre division.^[87]
• June 16 – The Baltimore Orioles next visited Wrigley for a three-game series. In game one, Kyle Hendricks allowed two runs in five innings while Dansby Swanson, Miguel Amaya, and Christopher Morel homered for the Cubs. Morel drove in three runs while Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ drove in two as the Cubs won their fourth straight, beating the Orioles 10–3.^[88]
• June 17 – In the second game of the series, Justin Steele returned from the injured list and allowed two runs in five innings. The Cub bullpen shut out the Orioles the rest of the way as the Cubs won 3–2. Nico Hoerner again drove in two runs in the win.^[89]
• June 18 – In the finale of the series against the Orioles, James Taillon allowed four runs in 5.1 innings and the Cubs only managed three. The Cub bullpen allowed two more runs as the Cubs lost 6–3, breaking their five-game winning streak.^[90]
• June 19 – The Cubs next travelled to Pittsburgh to face the Pirates again. Drew Smyly and three relievers shut out of the Pirates. Mike Tauchman drove in three runs while Nico Hoerner knocked in two in the 8–0 win. The win moved the Cubs to four games under .500 on the season (34–38).^[91]
• June 20 – Marcus Stroman pitched seven shutout innings and two Cub relievers shut out the Pirates as well as the Cubs won 4–0. Tucker Barnhart hit his first homer of the season and Mike Tauchman added his second as the Cubs won their fifth straight game against the Pirates and their ninth in the prior 11 games.^[92]
• June 21 – In the finale of the series against the Pirates, the Cubs completed the second series sweep against the Pirates on the season, beating the Pirates 8–3. The loss was the Pirates ninth straight loss. Kyle Hendricks pitched 6.1 innings and allowed only one earned run in the win. Ian Happ doubled twice and drove in three runs while Nico Hoerner homered and tripled, driving in three in the win.^[93]
• June 24 – After two days off to travel to London, the Cubs faced the Cardinals for two games in the London Series played at London Stadium.^[94] In game one of the series, Justin Steele pitched six innings and allowed only one run. Ian Happ homered twice while Dansby Swanson also homered as the Cubs won 9–1. The win moved the Cubs to one game under .500 at 37–38.^[95]
• June 25 – In game two of the series, the Cubs took a 4–0 lead in the first. However, Marcus Stroman allowed six runs, three unearned, and left the game in the fourth with a blister on his finger. After scoring four in the first, the Cubs could only score one more as they lost 7–5.^[96]
• June 27 – After an off day, the Cubs returned home to face the Phillies. Jameson Taillon allowed five runs in five innings while the Cubs managed only one run, losing 5–1.^[97]
• June 28 – In game two of the series against the Phillies, Drew Smyly allowed seven runs in 3.2 innings. Dansby Swanson homered and Jared Young homered in his first appearance on the season, but it was not enough as the Cubs lost 8–5. The loss dropped the Cubs four games under .500 at 37–41.^[98]
• June 29 – Kyle Hendricks pitched well, going seven innings and allowing only three runs, but the Cubs managed only one run as they were swept by the Phillies 3–1, their fourth straight loss.^[99]
• June 30 – The Cubs next faced the Cleveland Guardians at Wrigley. Justin Steele pitched 6.1 scoreless innings as the Cubs won 10–1. Christopher Morel homered and drove in three runs while Nico Hoerner and Jared Young each drove in two runs in the win.^[100]

July[edit]

• July 1 – Marcus Stroman allowed five runs in five innings and the Cubs were shutout by the Guardians 6–0.^[101]
• July 2 – Jameson Taillon allowed six runs in five innings and the Cubs trailed 6–1 entering the eighth. A team-leading 15th home run of the year by Christopher Morel drew the Cubs to within four. In the ninth, still trailing by four, the Cubs scored four runs to tie the game. Morel drove in two more runs in the ninth while questionable defense by the Guardians helped send the game into extra innings. In the 10th, the Guardians scored two runs off Adbert Alzolay as the Cubs lost 8–6.^[102]
• July 3 – The Cubs traveled to Milwaukee to face the Brewers for a four-game series. Nick Madrigal and Tucker Barnhart each drove in two runs as the Cubs took an early 6–2 lead. Drew Smyly allowed three runs in 3.2 innings of work, but the Cubs still led by three in the seventh before Julian Merryweather gave up three runs to tie it. Mark Leiter Jr. allowed two in the eighth as the Cubs blew the 6–0 lead and lost 8–6.^[103]
• July 4 – In game two against the Brewers, the Cubs took an early 4–0 lead and led by four in the eighth before Mark Leiter Jr. again allowed two runs to pull the Brewers within two at 6–4. In the eighth, Adbert Alzolay surrendered two more runs to tie the game and send the game into extra innings. The Cubs failed to score a run in the 10th, but, in the bottom half of the inning, Ian Happ threw out a runner at home while Miguel Amaya threw out a runner at second for a double play to keep the game going. In the 11th, Nico Hoerner reached on an infield single to score the go-ahead run and Happ threw another runner out at home to end the game and give the Cubs the 7–6 win.^[104]
• July 5 – In the third game of the series, the Cubs trailed the Brewers 3–1 in the ninth before Mike Tauchman doubled in two runs to tie the game in the top of the ninth. Tauchman then scored on a throwing error to give the Cubs a 4–3 lead. Adbert Alzolay pitched a perfect ninth to secure the win over the Brewers.^[105]
• July 6 – In the finale of the series against the Brewers, Marcus Stroman allowed four runs in five innings of work, but the Cubs tied the game in the eighth on a Yan Gomes home run. However, Michael Fulmer gave up a homer in the bottom of the eight as the Cubs lost 6–5.^[106]
• July 7 – The Cubs next traveled to face the Yankees. Jameson Taillon pitched eight scoreless innings while allowing only one hit against his former team. Cody Bellinger homered while Nico Hoerner and Patrick Wisdom drove in a run to give the Cubs the 3–0 win. The win marked the first-ever win by the Cubs in the Bronx.^[107][108]
• July 8 – Drew Smyly allowed four runs in four innings while Michael Rucker allowed two in one inning of relief. Mike Tauchman hit a two-run homer in the eighth, but it was not enough as the Cubs lost to the Yankees 6–3.^[109]
• July 9 – In the final game prior to the All-Star break, Kyle Hendricks allowed four runs in 5.2 innings and the Cubs trailed the Yankees 4–1 entering the seventh. However, the Cubs rallied to score six runs in the final three innings to come back for the 7–4 win over the Yankees.^[110]
• July 12 – Three Cubs were selected to participate in the All-Star Game: Justin Steele, Marcus Stroman, and Dansby Swanson.^[111] Swanson did not play after being put on the injured list shortly before the All-Star break.^[112] Marcus Stroman did not pitch as he preferred to rest.^[113] Justin Steele did play and pitched one scoreless inning^[114] as the National League defeated the American League for the first time since 2012.^[115]
• July 14 – In the first game of the second half, the Cubs faced the Boston Red Sox at Wrigley Field. Kyle Hendricks allowed five runs in 4.2 innings while the Cub bullpen surrendered three more. Cody Bellinger hit two home runs, but it was not enough as the Cubs lost 8–3.^[116]
• July 15 – In game two of the series against the Red Sox, Cody Bellinger hit a grand slam while Patrick Wisdom hit a two-run homer. Marcus Stroman allowed one run in six innings as the Cubs beat the Sox 10–4.^[117]
• July 16 – In the finale of the series against the Red Sox, Justin Steele allowed six runs, including a grand slam to Masataka Yoshida, as the Cubs were blown out 11–5.^[118]
• July 17 – The Cubs next faced the Nationals at Wrigley. Drew Smyly allowed five runs in six innings while Patrick Wisdom and Ian Happ homered for the Cubs. However, it was not enough as the Cubs lost 7–5.^[119]
• July 18 – Jameson Taillon allowed three runs in 5.2 innings as the Cubs fell behind 3–0. However, the Cub offense exploded for 17 runs, scoring 16 in the sixth, seventh, and eighth, to blow out the National 17–3. Patrick Wisdom and Seiya Suzuki homered for the Cubs as five different Cubs drove in more than one run in the win.^[120]
• July 19 – In the finale of the series against the Nationals, the Cubs took a 3–1 lead into the eighth before the Nationals tied the game. In the bottom half of the eighth, Yan Gomes drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly and Nico Hoerner hit his first career grand slam as the Cubs won 8–3.^[121]
• July 20 – The Cubs next faced the Cardinals at Wrigley. Marcus Stroman allowed five runs in 3.2 innings as the Cubs lost 7–2. Yan Gomes hit two triples in the loss.^[122]
• July 21 – In game two against the Cardinals, Cody Bellinger hit a two-run homer while Miles Mastrobuoni hit his first homer of the season. Justin Steele allowed just two runs in 6.1 innings as the Cubs won 4–3.^[123]
• July 22 – In the third game of the series, there were multiple rain delays. The Cubs trailed on three different occasions, but rallied to tie each time and took the lead in the sixth. Cody Bellinger drove in four runs in the game while Seiya Suzuki drove in two as the Cubs beat the Cardinals 8–6.^[124]
• July 23 – In the finale of the four-game series against the Cardinals, Cody Bellinger hit a two-run homer and drove in another run on a sacrifice fly. The Cubs took an early 7–0 lead and held on for a 7–2 win. Yan Gomes drove in two runs in the win as the Cubs moved to within three games of .500 at 48–51 by winning their fifth game in the previous six.^[125]
• July 25 – After an off day, the Cubs traveled across town to play the White Sox. Dansby Swanson homered twice while Christopher Morel and Nico Hoerner also homered to give the Cubs an early lead. With the Cubs leading 7–1 in the seventh, Seiya Suzuki stole a would-be grand slam that would have brought the White Sox within two. The Cubs held on to win their fourth straight game, beating the White Sox 7–3.^[126]
• July 26 – In game two of the short series with the White Sox, Marcus Stroman allowed seven runs in 3.1 innings. Trailing 7–2 in the fifth, the Cubs scored six runs, helped by poor White Sox defense, to take an 8–7 lead. Ian Happ and Cody Bellinger hit back-to-back home runs in the eighth to push the lead to 10–7. Adbert Alzolay pitched a perfect ninth for his 11th save on the season to give the Cubs their fifth straight win. The win moved the Cubs to one game under .500 (50–51) with the trade deadline approaching.^[127]
• July 27 – With a five-game win streak on the line, the Cubs faced the Cardinals in St. Louis. After Cardinals' pitcher Miles Mikolas was thrown out of the game in the first inning for intentionally hitting Ian Happ, the Cubs blew out the Cardinals 10–3. Yan Gomes drove in three runs while Mike Tauchman homered and drove in two runs in the win. The win moved the Cubs to .500 on the season (51–51).^[128]
• July 28 – In game two against the Cardinals, Hayden Wesnescki and Drew Smyly combined to allow two runs in 6.1 innings. Patrick Wisdom homered while Trey Mancini and Dansby Swanson each drove in a run for the Cubs. Leading 3–2 in the bottom of the ninth with runners on first and second, Adbert Alzolay induced a double play that left a runner on third with two outs. Mike Tauchman stole a home run off the bat of Alec Burleson to give the Cubs the 3–2 win.^[129]
• July 29 – Jameson Taillon allowed only one run in six innings while the bullpen shut out the Cardinals. Yan Gomes and Ian Happ each hit two-run homers as the Cubs beat the Cardinals 5–1. The win moved the Cubs two games over .500 (53–51) for the first time since May 2.^[130]
• July 30 – In the finale of the four-game series against the Cardinals, Kyle Hendricks allowed three runs in seven innings, but the Cub offense failed to score. The 3–0 loss ended the Cubs eight-game winning streak.^[131]
• July 31 – Returning home to Wrigley to face the first-place Reds, Marcus Stroman was rocked, allowing six runs in three innings. Three Cub pitchers combined to shut out the Reds the rest of the way. However, the deficit was too large to overcome as the Cubs lost 6–5. Dansby Swanson homered in the loss that dropped the Cubs back to .500 on the season.^[132]