The Cubs spent the first couple weeks of this season searching for consistency within their offense. From manager Craig Counsell to the players, there was a repeated mantra that things were bound to turn around soon,

Cubs closer Daniel Palencia was placed on the 15-day IL with a left oblique strain, and starter Cade Horton underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time.

The Chicago Cubs need pitching help, and a recent trade proposal has linked them to a San Francisco Giants ace.

On Friday, Kodai Senga imploded, the defense leaked and the lineup was inefficient in an embarrassing 12-4 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field that gave the Mets a nine-game losing streak. The skid is the club’s longest since 2004 when they lost 11 straight.

SportsLine's model simulated New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs 10,000 times and revealed its MLB picks for Friday's matchup

Just when you think things can't get any worse for the Chicago Cubs, closer Daniel Palencia is now injured.

The New York Mets (7-12) head to Wrigley Field for a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs (9-9). Chicago is coming off a series victory against Philadelphia and has won three of the last four contests.