This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/cubs as Cubs Rise in Standings Backed by Best Point Differential in Majors. Point differential is calculated simply by the difference between runs scored and runs against. Teams definitely want to be in the positive and the higher the better.

Shota Imanaga tossed seven shutout innings and five players hit solo home runs Saturday, carrying the Chicago Cubs to a 6-0 win over the Boston Red Sox.

Wilyer Abreu homered twice and drove in three runs, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Chicago Cubs 6-1 to avoid a series sweep.

Wilyer Abreu hit a pair of home runs and Garrett Crochet threw six quality innings to help the visiting Boston Red Sox earn a 6-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.

Cheerful and carefree is simply not how Counsell rolls. That focused attitude will influence how the Cubs approach the July 31 trade deadline. The contrarian manager is an extension of Jed Hoyer’s front office, which obsesses over depth and knows from experience that things can quickly go sideways.

CHICAGO — Midway through Jed Hoyer’s latest Ted Talk on the July 31 trade deadline, the thought occurred that maybe the Chicago Cubs president should throw his phone into Lake Michigan and sit this one out.

The rookie was excellent Sunday, showing he can be part of the Cubs' starting-pitching answer as the team eyes October. But North Side relievers allowed three late home runs in a loss to the Red Sox.

Though Breslow was criticized by many for the trade, one former colleague has been impressed with what he has done so far.

With Kyle Tucker months away from free agency, the Chicago Cubs are facing their most important trade deadline in years, and president Jed Hoyer seems to fully understand the urgency of the moment.