The last time we checked the Pulse, the Cubs felt broken.

Three weeks later?

The Chicago Cubs are going to the playoffs.

But making October isn't enough anymore.

The Cubs are battling the Padres for the top Wild Card spot, Dansby Swanson is finally back, Pete Crow-Armstrong is just TWO stolen bases away from an incredible 40-40 season, and the race is on to bring playoff baseball back to Wrigley Field.

❤️ This week's Pulse: HUNGRY.

On this episode:

📈 Trending Up: Stop me if you've heard this before... Pete Crow-Armstrong. PCA now has 45 home runs and 38 stolen bases as he closes in on 40-40. Plus, Dansby is back and Pedro Ramírez reminds everyone he's ready when his number is called.

📉 Trending Down: Almost three weeks later, the bullpen is STILL broken. And just as the Cubs get Dansby back, Alex Bregman gets hit in the face by a foul ball and is expected to miss time at the worst possible point in the season.

👀 What I'm Watching: How do the Cubs finish? Getting into October was step one. Now it's about getting hot and securing the top Wild Card spot. And for the time being, the Brewers hate-watch has officially been suspended.

Welcome to the hate-watch, San Diego.

⚾ Final Diagnosis: Three weeks ago, I said broken doesn't mean finished.

They weren't finished.

We're in. That's worth celebrating.

But now that we've got a seat at the table...

I want the whole damn meal.

🎙️ The Pulse — Beyond the Box Score