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Chicago Cubs closing in on wild-card race

The Cubs are closing in.

They entered Saturday with a 7½-game lead in the National League wild-card race. It's a new team chasing them now, as the Washington Nationals passed the slumping San Francisco Giants heading into the day's action.

The Cubs were 4 games behind the Pittsburgh Pirates for the top wild-card spot and 9½ games behind the Cardinals for first place in the National League Central.

The Cubs play both the Cardinals and the Pirates on their upcoming three-city road trip.

Either way, they're in a very good spot for a playoff berth. Can they smell it yet?

"The way we're playing, I'm really pleased with our whole effort," manager Joe Maddon said. "The dugout is absolutely en fuego every night. It's beautiful. That's where our guys are. I think they get it without me having to say anything."

A big reason the Cubs are poised for the playoffs is ace pitcher Jake Arrieta, who improved to 18-6 Saturday.

"We're in a good spot," Arrieta said. "We're aware of that. We know where we stand. We know what we're up against. We know what the schedule has in store for us for the remaining 30 or so games. We just need to handle our business. We feel good about where we're at. But we're not satisfied with this position currently.

"With that in mind, with that mindset, I think we can do some even better things."

Catcher David Ross, a world champion with the Red Sox in 2013, says he believes the Cubs have the right mentality.

"I see guys talking about winning," Ross said. "I think they know we're a good team. But they go out and prove it every day. They grind at-bats, and they know what it takes. They're a fun group to be a part of, but I don't think they're looking too far ahead.

"It's a good team, and we've still got a lot of growing to do, which is scary. Isn't that scary? We can get better."

No hurry on Schwarber:

Rookie catcher-outfielder Kyle Schwarber (rib cage) missed his third straight game. He's likely not to play Sunday or even in the series at St. Louis, Monday-Wednesday.

"I would say probably not, but I don't know that," Joe Maddon said. "He's pretty tough. Nothing would surprise me. But mentally, just preparation wise, I am prepared to not have him go, but you never know."

This and that:

The Cubs released veteran reliever Rafael Soriano, whom they designated for assignment on Sept. 1. Soriano got a brief look with the Cubs but also spent time on the disabled list … The Cubs have won 16 of their last 20 home games and are 42-28 at Wrigley Field. They were 41-40 at home last year.

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