If the Cubs plan to make up ground on the Brewers and Reds in the NL Central race, every game is going to count -- and you can catch their next one for free on MLB.TV.

The finale of Chicago’s three-game series against the Nationals is MLB.TV’s Free Game of the Day, starting at 8:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

The Cubs (44-50) have some work to do to catch up in the division race, currently sitting 7 1/2 games behind Milwaukee and five behind Cincinnati. As a result, it remains to be seen if they will be buyers or sellers at the Trade Deadline. In contrast, the Nationals (38-57) are long out of the playoff race, currently battling with the Rockies (37-58) for the NL’s worst record.

If both teams miss the playoffs, as the standings currently project, that will mark the continuation of their similar trajectories. The Nationals made five playoff appearances and won four division titles from 2012-19, but have not reached the postseason since winning the 2019 World Series. The Cubs earned five playoff berths and three division titles from 2015-20, including a World Series win in 2016, but have missed each of the last two postseasons.

For the Cubs to claw back into this year’s playoff hunt, the team’s final holdover from that 2016 championship will likely play a major role: Kyle Hendricks, who is projected to start on Wednesday night (against a pitcher that has not yet been announced). Hendricks appeared to be in top form after returning from a shoulder injury in late May, having a 2.64 ERA and .530 OPS allowed through his first eight starts, but he has allowed nine earned runs in 10 1/3 innings pitched since then.

Speaking of the 2016 Cubs, one of their reserves is now arguably the biggest name on Washington’s roster: Jeimer Candelario. With 14 homers and an .816 OPS, Candelario has been a bright spot in an otherwise grim season for the Nationals, but this has led to his name popping up in trade discussions, with MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reporting that the Marlins are a possible suitor.

In the meantime, though, Candelario and company will attempt to be thorns in the side of Chicago’s dwindling playoff aspirations.