In any case, the Braves and Cubs will play again this week, after tangling for three games in Chicago last week. Both Bryce Elder and Shota Imanaga started in the earlier series, and here they are again, starting against their respective opponents for the second week in a row, with no palate cleanser in between.

The Atlanta Braves could have a new manager next season if Brian Snitker decides to call it a career after 50 seasons with the organization.

In the wake of the latest lull from the Cubs’ offense, manager Craig Counsell was blunt in his assessment on Monday night. “Offensively, we did nothing for five innings,” Counsell said after a 4-1 loss to the Braves.

Monday, however, wasn’t the Cubs’ only offensive dud in recent weeks. While they’ve had offensive barrages like an 11-5 victory against the Nationals, an 11-7 win over the Rockies and a 12-1 rout of the Angels, they’ve also scored three or fewer runs in eight of their last 16 games.

An all-too-familiar scene for the Chicago Cubs over the last two months played out again Monday night in Atlanta.

Bryce Elder pitched 6 1/3 strong innings and the Atlanta Braves beat the visiting Chicago Cubs 4-1 on Monday to give manager Brian Snitker his 800th career victory.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell sent a message about sending the outfield superstar to the injured list amid a calf issue.

Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson homered and Bryce Elder had his fourth straight strong outing as the Atlanta Braves beat the Chicago Cubs 4-1 on Monday night. The Cubs, who lead the NL wild-card race, lost for the fourth time in five games.