The Chicago Cubs have quickly gone from favorites in the National League Central to fighting to keep the race close. Jed Hoyer spoke on his team.

Chicago Cubs starter Cade Horton left Game 1 of Monday’s doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning with a blister.

All true. But even though the Brewers’ 14-game winning streak ended Sunday with a 3-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in 10 innings, their record is best in the majors by six games. The team that opened the season with the sport’s eighth lowest payroll is putting the competition to shame.

The Brewers began a five-game series against the Cubs on Monday, taking a 7-0 shutout victory in the first matchup. If they win the series, or even sweep Chicago, they might not be able to hide under their underdog guise anymore.

Craig Counsell has become more than chilly about the Cubs looking up at his former team in the standings ... and apparently, George Webb burgers.

He lasted 2.2 innings on Monday, allowing a run on a Brice Turang homer, with four hits, a walk, and three strikeouts. Cubs manager Craig Counsell visited Horton on the mound twice in the early innings before ultimately pulling him. Horton had thrown seven consecutive pitches outside the strike zone before his exit.

It might not be reflected in the standings, but the comparison between the Angels and the best team in baseball is obvious to at least one former All-Star.