The Cubs have struggled against lefty starters for two months now. They've faced great ones, but also haven't gotten enough from different parts of the lineup. Pitching remains the priority, but this is another area the Cubs will look to upgrade this month nytimes.com/athletic/64754…

Next year might finally be here for the North Side of Chicago. This is the next great Cubs team the city has been waiting for, writes jon greenberg. nytimes.com/athletic/64774…

Story with Sahadev Sharma: How the Cubs wound up trading for future closer Daniel Palencia at the trade deadline nytimes.com/athletic/64793…

Trade deadline plans, All-Star picks and more takeaways from Wrigley Field. New episode of North Side Territory with Sahadev Sharma is out via Foul Territory. Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nor… Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3Nibg9… YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=vM7vFp…

How rookie Cam Smith made the Astros believe he’s “got something special.” nytimes.com/athletic/64820…

Ten years after Kyle Tucker’s predraft workout at an under construction Wrigley Field, the Cubs have built a monster offense that is delivering a special season. nytimes.com/athletic/64820…

The Cubs placed Porter Hodge on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement and recalled Ethan Roberts from Triple-A Iowa.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is the guest interview on the latest trade deadline episode of North Side Territory with Sahadev Sharma on Foul Territory. Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nor… Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6NhwZx… YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=lL0-6H…

Trade deadline Q&A with Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer: Where things stand right now and some valuable lessons from the past nytimes.com/athletic/64847…

An influx of bubble teams has bogged down the trade market, causing most executives to remain in a holding pattern instead of committing to a direction. How that’s impacting the trade deadline, with Patrick Mooney: nytimes.com/athletic/64870…

What we’re hearing about the Cubs’ trade deadline plans (reporting with Sahadev Sharma): nytimes.com/athletic/64870…

I wrote about Mark Buehrle’s statue dedication, Bobby Jenks’ memory and a day to celebrate the 2005 White Sox: nytimes.com/athletic/64894…

Kyle Tucker brings a sense of no panic to a Cubs team that just got rocked at Yankee Stadium. nytimes.com/athletic/64894…

The Cubs optioned Jordan Wicks back to Triple-A Iowa and added Brooks Kriske to their active roster for today’s game at Yankee Stadium.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell: “I talked to Ian (Happ) and we’re going to make a change at the leadoff spot against lefties. For now, Nico (Hoerner) will lead off. He’s been productive against left-handed pitching. It’s as simple as that.”

Craig Counsell on Matthew Boyd not pitching in All-Star Game: “He’s pitching today. You really got to fall on the right day. At a time when you’re trying to get some rest, to do something you’re not accustomed to, it’s just hard. … You don’t want to affect what happens next.”

Kyle Tucker just got here and doesn’t know where he will be next season. Yet he has become such a huge part of the Cubs’ clubhouse vibes. On his smoothness as a hitter, and the easy way he’s blended into a new team and handled contract-year pressure. nytimes.com/athletic/64904…

What the Cubs are trying to accomplish at the trade deadline. North Side Territory with Sahadev Sharma on Foul Territory: Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nor… Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/3eomhg… YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=i59Thp…

Everyone, it seems, wants a piece of the “PCA” phenomenon. Everything, though, has been handled with a lot of thought and humility. Explaining the raw talent, electric vibes and force of personality turning Pete Crow-Armstrong into a superstar. nytimes.com/athletic/64918…

Story with Zack Meisel on Matthew Boyd’s winding All-Star journey: “One of the best human beings you’re ever going to be around.” nytimes.com/athletic/64940…