For many years, the Chicago Cubs had to look up to find their rival St. Louis Cardinals in the standings.

CHICAGO -- Just when it appeared the Chicago Cubs' offense had run out of bats with the two-time defending National League Central Division champions on the verge of falling out of first place, the Cubs showed their sticks still have some life.

Chicago Cubs catcher Victor Caratini did his best bat flip after smashing a grand slam against the Washington Nationals.

In the middle of a playoff race, the Philadelphia Phillies want Aaron Nola to pitch as much as possible.

CHICAGO -- Joe Maddon has never sweated the details and remains as even-keeled as they come.

When the Chicago Cubs traded for Cole Hamels, they figured the starter would add depth to their rotation.

Some would say banging your head against a table repeatedly is a sign of insanity. Others might believe punching a brick wall qualifies in that category.

As banged up as the Chicago Cubs may be these days, manager Joe Maddon certainly isn't willing to take any chances that could impact his team's long-term hopes.

Teams struggling to score runs in the first two games of the series hope to get key bats back in the lineup when the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants meet.

Two teams exhausted after generally successful series don't get a break when the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants open a three-game set on Monday night.

The Chicago Cubs will try to bounce back from their first loss in more than a week when they host the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon.

For the Chicago Cubs, the last few days have felt like Christmas in July.

It was unheard of not that long ago, but now it has become somewhat commonplace: pitchers by committee.

Not that long ago, the Chicago Cubs probably viewed a series against the Cincinnati Reds as a near-guaranteed way to pick up some quick victories.

In Carlos Martinez's first eight starts of the year, the St. Louis Cardinals right-hander pitched at a Cy Young Award level.