Coming off two heartbreaking losses, it's tough to remember that the Chicago Cubs are still in the playoff picture. They're currently tied for the final spot, but on the outside looking in due to a tiebreaker.
Still, there's four more games for the Cubs to play their way into the MLB postseason for the first time since 2020.
They could also be getting back one of their most important pieces to their roster when they need him the most.
Closer Adbert Alzolay is nearing his return and is eyeing the start of the Milwaukee Brewers series on Sept. 29 according to MLB.com.
He's been a huge loss for this Chicago team, whose bullpen has completely fallen off a cliff due to being overworked and injured.
Alzolay was put on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 11 with a forearm strain in his throwing arm.
Prior to hitting the IL, he had been dealing with discomfort in his right arm for a couple weeks or more, but had been trying to manage the issue as he continued to play.
The righty threw 20 pitches in a live bullpen session on Wednesday as the final step in his process to get back on the field.
"That's all I want to do right now is go there and pitch," he said.
The Cubs want that as well.
He's been a huge part of their bullpen, moving into the closer role and converting 22 of 25 save opportunities to go along with a 2.71 ERA this season.
His absence has hurt the backend of their bullpen and resulted in a blown save on Wednesday that had major playoff consequences.
With Alzolay back in the mix, Chicago gets a big weapon back for their most important series of the year.
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