CHICAGO, Ill. (NBC Chicago) -- The Chicago Cubs are preparing to embark on a road trip this week, and it includes a visit to another team in strong playoff contention.
The Cubs, who currently sit in a National League wild card spot but trail the Milwaukee Brewers by four games in the National League Central, are hoping to gain some ground on a trip against the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays in coming days.
How does the rest of their schedule stack up this season? Here are some key moments looming in the Cubs’ final 48 games of the regular season.
What are the Cubs’ biggest series left this season?
The series everyone has circled on their calendars will arrive on Aug. 18 when the Cubs welcome the Brewers to Wrigley Field for the final time this season.
A five-game series will unfold at the ballpark over four days, giving the Cubs a pivotal opportunity to claw back ground they’ve lost to Milwaukee in recent weeks.
Aside from that series, the Cubs do visit the Toronto Blue Jays, currently leading the American League Central, Aug. 12-14 at Rogers Centre.
The Cubs end the season with a four-game road series against the Cincinnati Reds, then come home to take on the New York Mets, with both clubs currently in the wild card chase.
Finally, the season ends with a three-game series against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
How many games do the Cubs have left against playoff teams?
The Cubs have 48 games left on the regular season, and of those 11 are against teams that are currently in playoff spots.
That includes the five games against the Brewers, with three games remaining against the Mets at Wrigley Field and against the Blue Jays in Toronto.
How does the Cubs' schedule stack up with other playoff rivals?
According to Tankathon, the Cubs have the third-easiest schedule remaining in baseball, with only the Padres and Dodgers having easier roads to the finish line.
The Brewers meanwhile have the sixth-toughest schedule remaining, having to play five different teams that are currently in playoff spots.
What does the Brewers’ schedule look like?
The Brewers have 17 games left against playoff teams down the stretch, including a three-game series against the Mets at American Family Field this weekend.
They also have a road series at the end of August against the Blue Jays before coming home to take on the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies. Their last road series of the season is against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
