It feels inevitable. The Cubs are so close to clinching their first playoff berth since 2020 that even the people in uniform are thinking ahead and looking beyond that night’s game. For a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it’s like in the clubhouse right now, listen to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney. The beat reporters explain how Cubs manager Craig Counsell is lining up the pitching staff for October, and why Pete Crow-Armstrong is looking forward to a reset in the playoffs. Plus: Is it time to be concerned about Kyle Tucker yet?

Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and use code FOUL, bet $5 and get $300 in bonus bets instantly, plus over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTubeTV.

Get 20% off your first Slab Pack or card purchase by going to ArenaClub.com/FOUL and use code FOUL

Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With the playoffs approaching, you have questions, and Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney have answers. The Athletic’s Cubs writers respond to listeners who want to know who will be starting Game 1 at Wrigley Field: Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton or Shota Imanaga? Plus a look at who might be the Opening Day right fielder next year, and what the Cubs will be targeting on the free-agent market this winter.

Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and use code FOUL, bet $5 and get $300 in bonus bets instantly, plus over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTubeTV.

Go to Surfshark.com/foul or use code FOUL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!

Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!

One of the most popular players in franchise history is returning to Wrigley Field. Ahead of the ceremonial weekend marking Anthony Rizzo’s retirement and new role as a Cubs ambassador, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney look back on what made that era so special, and why people gravitated toward the big first baseman. The Athletic’s Cubs writers also dig into the decision to (finally) put All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker on the injured list, and how general manager Carter Hawkins is emerging as a strong candidate to take over the Nationals.

Go to OmahaSteaks.com to get 50% off sitewide during their Red-Hot Sale Event and use Promo Code FOUL at checkout for an extra $35 off.

For 20% off your first purchase, head to FairHarborClothing.com/FOUL and use code FOUL

Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a nice rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to NST on Youtube!