New York Mets announce Thursday lineup vs Chicago Cubs

The San Diego Padres are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card next week. With the Cubs currently holding a 2.5-game lead, they are likely to host the series. This matchup is significant as it could determine the Padres' chances of competing for their first World Series title, highlighting the importance of key players in this high-stakes game.

The Chicago Cubs are currently assessing pitcher Cade Horton's back injury, which raises concerns about his availability for the upcoming wild-card playoff series. Despite an MRI revealing some issues, manager Craig Counsell remains optimistic, stating that Horton is still on track. This situation is significant as Horton is a candidate for National League Rookie of the Year, and his performance could greatly impact the Cubs' playoff chances.

Noelvi Marte made a spectacular play that could be a turning point for the Cincinnati Reds' season, as they fight for the final NL Wild Card spot. With the team tied with the New York Mets, Marte's home run robbery against the Pittsburgh Pirates not only showcased his talent but also kept the Reds' playoff hopes alive. This moment is crucial as it highlights the intensity of the race for the postseason and the importance of individual performances in high-stakes games.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo had an impressive outing, striking out 12 batters before leaving the game with a groin injury. His performance was crucial in the Reds' 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, bringing them closer to the New York Mets for the final NL wild card spot. Although Lodolo exited for precautionary reasons, his dominance on the mound highlights his potential impact on the team's playoff aspirations.

In a thrilling game, Noelvi Marté made a spectacular catch to rob Bryan Reynolds of a potential tying home run in the ninth inning, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. This win is significant as it brings the Reds within half a game of the New York Mets for the final NL wild card spot, intensifying the playoff race. Nick Lodolo also shone on the mound with 12 strikeouts, although he left the game due to a groin injury. The Reds are now in a strong position to secure a playoff berth if the Mets falter in their upcoming game.

The Cincinnati Reds are facing a tough challenge in their pursuit of the final National League Wild Card spot, especially after losing key player Nick Lodolo to an early injury. With the team just one game behind the New York Mets and tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks, this setback comes at a critical time. The Reds recently suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, which adds to the pressure as they strive to secure a playoff position. This situation highlights the importance of player health and performance in high-stakes games.

The San Diego Padres are gearing up for the postseason after a successful series against the Milwaukee Brewers. With only three games left in the regular season, they are closely watching the outcome of the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs series to determine their position in the NL Wild Card standings. This is an exciting time for the Padres as they aim to make a strong playoff run, and Mike Shildt's candid comments about Ramon Laureano's injury highlight the team's focus on overcoming challenges as they prepare for the postseason.

MLB insider Jon Heyman has identified three key players from the New York Mets who may be on the trading block this offseason. This news is significant as it could reshape the team's roster and impact their performance in the upcoming season, reflecting the ongoing strategic decisions teams must make to enhance their competitiveness.

The New York Mets, despite boasting a star-studded lineup and a staggering $340 million payroll, are facing disappointment as they struggle to secure a playoff spot. Currently, they are in a tight race with the Reds and Diamondbacks for the National League's final wild-card position. This situation is significant because it highlights the challenges even high-investment teams can face in achieving success, raising questions about team management and performance expectations.

The Chicago Cubs are looking to regain their momentum as they prepare for the playoffs, having recently lost five out of their last six games. However, there's good news on the horizon with the expected return of Kyle Tucker for their upcoming game against the Cardinals. This could provide a much-needed boost to the team's performance as they aim to enter the postseason on a high note.

The New York Mets are facing a tough situation as they strive to secure a spot in the MLB Playoffs. After a disappointing 10-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs, the team is now at risk of losing the last wild card position. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasizes the importance of keeping an eye on the performance of rival teams like the Reds and D-Backs, as every game counts in this critical stretch. This situation matters not just for the Mets but for fans who are hoping to see their team compete in the postseason.

Kodai Senga's performance has taken a significant downturn in the latter part of the 2025 season, raising concerns for the New York Mets. Once hailed as one of the league's top starters, Senga's struggles post-All-Star break have become a major talking point among fans and analysts. This decline not only affects his personal career but also poses challenges for the Mets as they aim for a successful season.

Tua Tagovailoa recently addressed criticisms from Cam Newton, emphasizing that it's easier to critique from the sidelines than to perform on the field. This exchange highlights the pressures athletes face and the differing perspectives on performance and criticism in sports. Tagovailoa's response not only defends his position but also sheds light on the challenges of being in the spotlight, making it a relevant discussion for fans and aspiring players alike.

Penn State running back Nick Singleton is gearing up for an exciting showdown against the No. 6 Oregon Ducks, highlighting a clash between two of the top 10 teams in college football. With the Nittany Lions ranked third in the latest AP Top 25 poll, this matchup is not just another game; it’s a chance for Penn State to showcase their strength and determination on a national stage. Singleton's 'rip it' mentality reflects the team's confidence and readiness to take on a formidable opponent, making this game a must-watch for fans.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has made headlines as he becomes the first Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher since 2021 to achieve 200 strikeouts in a season. This milestone is significant not only for Yamamoto, who struck out seven batters in a dominant performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but also for the Dodgers, who secured the NL West title with an impressive 8-0 victory. His achievement highlights his skill and potential as a key player for the team moving forward.

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a challenging moment as they prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the Broncos. Currently at 2-1, the team's morale is low due to the significant injury to star quarterback Joe Burrow, which could sideline him for the remainder of the season. This situation not only impacts the team's performance but also raises concerns among fans about their chances in the upcoming games. The Bengals will need to rally together and find a way to adapt without their key player.

Rangers faced another setback in their season, losing 1-0 to Genk at Ibrox, which raises concerns about manager Russell Martin's future. The defeat, marked by a goal from former Celtic striker Hyeon-Gyu Oh, adds to the mounting pressure on the team and its leadership. This loss not only affects the team's morale but also their standing in the league, making it crucial for them to turn things around quickly.

Thursday Night Football is back, featuring an exciting matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals. This game is significant as it showcases two competitive teams in the NFL, drawing fans' attention and boosting viewership. It's a great opportunity for both teams to prove their skills and make a statement in the league.