This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/maryland as Former Maryland shortstop Matt Shaw helps Chicago Cubs keep pace in pennant race. The Chicago Cubs are in a tie for first place in the National League Central, and that is in no small part thanks to former Maryland third baseman Matt Shaw.

A recent string of good starts has shown how important Chicago Cubs rookie Cade Horton could and will need to be for Chicago to make a deep postseason run.

The Chicago Cubs' pursuit of a starting pitcher has been known for a while, and with five days remaining until the trade deadline, the team may be desperate

The Chicago Cubs have been expected for weeks leading up to the trade deadline to get aggressive in making upgrades.

Javier Assad hasn’t pitched for the Chicago Cubs this season because of a left oblique strain. He is nearing a return and will make rehab start Wednesday for Triple-A Iowa.

The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in the MLB. They are set to make a splash this trade deadline, likely in the pitching department.

Veteran right-hander Javier Assad, 27, is slated to make a rehabilitation start for Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, as he continues his lengthy journey back to the Chicago Cubs after suffering a left oblique injury during spring training in Arizona.

It's hard to tell just how aggressive the Chicago Cubs are going to be ahead of the trade deadline. The decision makers have let down this fanbase in the past w