“It's unclear if PCA and/or Tucker would be performing better if the Cubs had made a major trade or two, but the Cubs certainly haven't gotten the post-trade deadline jolt some teams have, and it leaves you to wonder whether they are truly a World Series contender.”

The Cubs have placed Miguel Amaya on the IL with an ankle injury and called up their top prospect, outfielder Owen Caissie.

It's only been two weeks since the July 31 trade deadline, so it's important not to jump to too many conclusions based on such a short period of time.

Take the Cubs run line to cover for today's pick, odds & expert prediction against the Pirates on Friday, August 15.

SportsLine's model simulated Pittsburgh vs. Chicago 10,000 times and revealed its MLB picks for the matchup at Wrigley Field

Owen Caissie, the Cubs' No. 1 prospect, will make his MLB debut in Thursday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. He will be Chicago's designated hitter, batting fifth in the lineup.

Max Scherzer pitched seven strong innings, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run home run and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the visiting Chicago Cubs 2-1 on Thursday afternoon.