What's at stake when the Chicago Cubs face the Brewers this week?

The Milwaukee Brewers are set to face the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series starting this Labor Day weekend, with implications for their division standings. The Brewers have only a seven-game lead over the Cubs in the Central Division, meaning one win or multiple losses could determine their playoff fate. The three upcoming matchups will face a roster of familiar opponents for the Brewers, including Robert Gasser, Jacob Misiorowski, and Logan Henderson.

The Brewers need to win at least seven games or face a messy scenario where both the Diamondbacks and Padres lose. Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs' outfielder, has been particularly tough on the Brewers, batting just .164 against them this year. The Cubs' bullpen has been a concern, currently sitting at a 5.16 ERA since August 20.

A sweep of the Cubs would significantly reduce the Brewers' magic number, but the Brewers know they still face losses from other teams. The earliest the Brewers could clinch the division might be at the end of their homestand, but a successful road trip to Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Philadelphia could seal it sooner.