The Cubs (42-47) ended the first half on a positive note, winning two of three from the Yankees in New York. Despite that, Chicago is still five games under .500 and seven back of the first-place Cincinnati Reds in the National League Central.
The North Siders begin the second half with a crucial 10-game homestand that will determine whether they will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. It begins when the Boston Red Sox head to Wrigley Field for a set of three beginning Friday night.
Boston (48-43) has won five in a row to pull themselves above .