Cubs vs Mets Preview: Week 65 Showdown

The Chicago Cubs roll into Citi Field looking to bounce back after a tough loss. Edward Cabrera takes the mound for Chicago, and he's got his work cut out for him. The Cubs sit at 40-37, needing solid pitching performances to stay in the hunt. Cabrera hasn't been lights-out this season—his 7.34 ERA tells you runs might fly around. But here's the thing: the Cubs believe in him anyway. Their whole staff is built on reliability over flash. Cabrera gets a chance to prove he belongs in big moments like this.

The Mets are struggling at 34-43, and they need Kodai Senga to deliver. The Japanese right-hander is their anchor. When he's healthy, Senga dominates with blazing fastballs and that sneaky ghost fork pitch. Right now, his 5.4 ERA isn't what Mets fans want to see. Senga has been hurt before, and injuries kept him from being a true force last year. New York needs him locked in and throwing strikes. If Senga can pitch like the All-Star he's been, the Mets have a chance. If not, it'll be another long night at home.

Both teams are getting banged up. The Cubs lost Jameson Taillon to a hamstring strain and won't see him until mid-July. That's brutal timing. Matthew Boyd is working his way back, but he hasn't pitched much. The Mets have their own problems. Star shortstop Francisco Lindor is close to returning, but Luis Robert Jr. and Jorge Polanco are still out. When healthy rosters face off, you get real baseball. Right now? Both teams are improvising. That makes Tuesday night unpredictable. Someone's going to have to overcome their injury list and show up ready to play.