With a focus on strengthening their starting rotation and bullpen, the Chicago Cubs are preparing for the MLB trade deadline. That need is unsurprising, as injuries have depleted the starting rotation that is without Justin Steele due to season-ending surgery on his left elbow.

The Finance Committee advanced an ordinance that provides $10 million in city funding for the $32.5 million cost to install security bollards around Wrigley Field.

The Chicago Cubs are on top of the NL Central with a depleted rotation. The quiet consistency of Matthew Boyd is a major reason for their success.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates (29-42) visit the Chicago Cubs (42-28) Saturday for the third game of their 4-game series. First pitch from Wrigley Field is at 2:20 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Pirates vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Among those in attendance was 67-year-old prostate cancer survivor Clark Atwater, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Pirates first. Oneil Cruz singles to right field. Bryan Reynolds lines out to shortstop to Dansby Swanson. Nick Gonzales singles to shallow left field. Oneil Cruz to second. Spencer Horwitz

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During the first year of the collaboration, AbbVie will donate $233 for each strikeout made by a Cubs pitcher during home games throughout the regular season.

The Chicago Cubs have been one of baseball's best teams in the first half of the season, and now pressure mounts for President Jed Hoyer to make a move to keep the team at the top.