why are the Cubs playoff hopes fading fast let's break it down the Chicago Cubs are facing a critical moment veteran pitcher Kyle Hendrick stepped up in place of injured Ace Justin steel but it wasn't enough the Cubs fell 5 Z to the Pittsburgh Pirates with rookie sensation Paul skus stealing the show despite Hendrick's best efforts the Cubs offense couldn't break through this loss combined with WIS by the Braves and Mets has pushed the cub further down the wildcard standings with only a few games left in the regular season their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread the contrast between henrik's seasoned experience and ska's Youthful dominance was Stark it's a sign of a changing guard in baseball earlier in the season the Cubs showed promise but now their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities is costing them dearly as the season winds down the Cubs need a miraculous resurgence to keep their playoff dreams alive will they rise to the challenge only time will tell