Right now, the Cubs are rolling, but everyone in baseball is still ultimately chasing the Dodgers. Why did Counsell bring up the two-way superstar and a perceived unfair advantage for the two-time defending World Series champs? For the story behind the story, listen to The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney. Plus, several important updates on a pitching staff that has come together and handled the early-season adversity. You can’t say the same for the Mets and Phillies, two underperforming big-market teams that have come into Wrigley Field already facing questions about managers on the hot seat and whether the season can be salvaged.

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