Brewers coaches and front office officials have spent hours in meetings and Zoom sessions over recent days discussing how to get through this particularly burdensome stretch of the schedule without blowing out the pitching on the cusp of a pennant push.

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.

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.

Mike Kadlick reports that the Boston Red Sox will be without a promising rookie until 2026, as Marcelo Mayer had season-ending wrist surgery. Jim Bowden looks at the top 25 free agents who will become available in the upcoming offseason. ( The Athletic subscription required .)

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.

The Milwaukee Brewers once trailed the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central by 6 1/2 games. That is no longer the case.

The Milwaukee Brewers have captured attention with their 14-game winning streak. This impressive run brings back memories of the Brewers' 1987 season, when they started with a 13-game winning streak.