CHGO Cubs Related: How Are the Cubs Sustaining Their HISTORIC 2026 Start?
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The Chicago Cubs are on a historic 19-game winning streak at Wrigley Field, the longest in 91 years, and have won 17 of their last 20 games — a stretch that includes 10 comeback wins, six one-run victories, four walk-offs, and three extra-inning triumphs. What’s truly remarkable isn’t just the wins, but the resilience: despite a litany of injuries to key pitchers like Matthew Boyd and Justin Steele, the team has maintained elite defense, relentless offense, and a clubhouse culture that refuses to quit. Core contributors like Ian Happ (28-game on-base streak, 145 WRC+) and Michael Bush (sudden breakout) have stepped up, while role players like Ryan Rolison and Ben Brown have emerged as unexpected assets. Manager Craig Counsell’s flexible lineup management — moving players up and down based on matchups and form — has maximized depth, turning a thin roster into a functional, winning machine. The team’s ability to bank wins early, even in a season with a slow start, gives them crucial breathing room for future slumps. This isn’t just luck — it’s a calculated, adaptive system built on mental toughness, depth, and a culture where every player, regardless of role, believes they can win the next game.
The Cubs have won 17 of their last 20 games, including 10 comeback wins and 4 walk-offs — a feat unmatched in MLB history over a 20-game span.
Despite injuries to Matthew Boyd and Justin Steele, the Cubs are maintaining a 3-5 run support per game, keeping games winnable for their offense.
Ian Happ is on a 28-game on-base streak with a 376 OBP and 145 WRC+, showing a shift toward more power at the cost of contact rate.
Ben Brown is getting a start Friday after strong bullpen performances, proving the Cubs’ depth allows for flexible role-shifting even in crisis mode.
Ryan Rolison has made three direct impacts on come-from-behind wins, with a pitch profile that mirrors Justin Steele’s mechanics but with added velocity.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Historic 19-Game Win Streak at Wrigley
“No other team in the modern era has done all of that in a 20-game span. So, again, stating the obvious, they win every day. That's great. That's a good thing. That's what you want them to do.”
Injury Crisis and the Flexibility of the Roster
With Matthew Boyd sidelined with a minor meniscus tear (6-week recovery) and Justin Steele’s status uncertain, the Cubs are forced to rely on depth. Ben Brown is getting a start, and Ryan Rolison has emerged as a key reliever. The hosts discuss how the team’s depth and flexibility — especially in the bullpen — are being tested but are holding up under pressure.
Ian Happ’s Breakout and the Offensive Engine
“He's been really good. That's all I really have to say about it. I think he's just a guy that does not get his flowers as much from a portion of the fan base.”
Craig Counsell’s Lineup Mastery and Clubhouse Culture
“They are team. They are not their own moment right? They are there to be a part of the team's moment at least that's the sense you get from most if not all of these guys.”
The Aggressive Front Office and the Future of Depth
The Cubs are aggressively cutting underperforming players (Martin, Kingery) and giving new arms like Tyler Ferguson and Ryan Rolison short windows to prove themselves. The hosts applaud this approach — not just out of necessity, but as a sign of a front office that values adaptability and performance over sentimentality. Rolison’s success is framed as a win for the team’s development philosophy.
“They won't quit. They won't die, man. That game on Wednesday, you know, Martin comes in, blows the save. You give up four runs. You have that weird play with Sayah falling back and the extra run coming around on the double relay. That's a loss, man. You've won 13 in a row at that point at Wrigley Field. Like your bullpen is depleted. You have a guy trying to close a game that really shouldn't have been in the majors at that point and he's not anymore.”
“You're watching why it matters. Like they're cycling through these guys and sometimes your closers just come back from injury. Your other guys are down. You're losing a starter every other day and you need to save a game and get three outs and this is who's available.”
“It's not the same thing as like hey we need to start it tomorrow Ben Brown you look good you've done this before let's see what you got let's see how this goes but it's all it's all part of it.”
Host
Ian Happ
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Corey
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Craig Counsell
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Brendan
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Matthew Boyd
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Ben Brown
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Michael Bush
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Ryan Rolison
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Justin Steele
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Corbin Martin
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