As the second half of the MLB season kicks off, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a challenging position. Holding a losing record against nine of the 11 teams ahead of them in the playoff race, the Cubs have little room for error if they hope to secure a postseason spot.

The Cubs will resume their pursuit of October baseball on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field, where they will take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks, who eliminated the Cubs from last year's playoffs, pose a significant challenge for Chicago. They went 6-1 against the Cubs in September and ultimately made it to the World Series.

Despite the uphill battle, the Cubs remain hopeful that they can catch fire at the right time. With a new manager in place and most of last season's roster intact, the team is aiming to replicate the eight-game winning streak from last July that prevented a sell-off and forced key roster moves.

Currently sporting a 47-51 record, the Cubs cannot afford to have a lackluster performance in their upcoming homestand against the Diamondbacks and the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. A successful sweep against the Brewers could potentially propel the Cubs back into contention for the division title.

However, the Cubs face various challenges that limit their options for improvement. Injuries, underperformance, and no-trade clauses make it difficult for the team to make significant changes to their roster. Additionally, their payroll is currently hovering around the $237 million luxury tax threshold, making financial considerations crucial.

While the team's chances of making the playoffs currently stand at less than 12 percent, projections can quickly change with a successful winning streak. The Cubs' front office will be prepared for all scenarios leading up to the July 30 trade deadline.

The firing of former manager David Ross last November severed one of the last connections to the Theo Epstein era. Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer, who assembled much of the current roster, is unlikely to be eager to sell at the deadline. The team's focus is on immediate success, rather than accumulating A-ball prospects.

As the Cubs navigate the second half of the season, internal improvements will be crucial to their success. With a strong starting rotation, a bullpen that is starting to find its rhythm, and flashes of potential in their lineup, the team has the pieces to make a run. The Cubs will need to prove themselves on the field with consistent performances in order to make a push for the playoffs.

With the margin for error nearly nonexistent, the Cubs understand that it only takes one winning streak to completely change their position in the playoff race. As pitcher Justin Steele stated, the team remains confident that they can turn their season around.

As the second half of the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Cubs as they strive to overcome their obstacles and make a postseason push. Time will tell if they can defy the odds and secure a coveted playoff spot.