The Chicago Cubs have muscled their way through the first part of the season.They sit comfortably in first place of the NL Central in large part due to the fact they have arguably the best offense in Major League Baseball.Fourth of July was an incredible example of that when they hit a franchise record eight home runs, including three by ascending star first baseman Michael Busch in the win over their hated rival St. Louis Cardinals.More News: Chicago Cubs Superstars Selected as All-Star Game Starters for National LeagueWhile the lineup is fun and has been getting the job done all year, the starting rotation -- which was a concern heading into the season -- has become a bit of a problem after injuries have piled up as the team prepares to head for the home stretch of the campaign.The latest development for the Cubs is a calf injury to veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon sustained while running in a bullpen session, which Craig Counsell says is going to keep him out for at least a month.More News: Cubs Place Jameson Taillon on Injured List, Will Miss 'Significant Amount of Time'When Shota Imanaga was out, this rotation was stretched extremely thin without Justin Steele. But when the Japanese southpaw returned, the hope was that things could get back on track.Injuries are an inevitable reality and that has shown itself over and over again this season, but Chicago's need for a starting pitcher at the trade deadline is now even more urgent.More News: Five Chicago Cubs Targets to Watch as MLB Trade Deadline ApproachesTo this point, the Cubs have been able to cling to first place despite having a staff that for large portions of the last couple months has looked on the brink of complete and total collapse.With Taillon potentially out heading into the second half of the season, Chicago must make a move to not just replace his production, but to give themselves another reliable option that can go out there every fifth day and give the team a chance to win.Options have been thrown around constantly, with the latest being Athletics star Luis Severino as someone the Cubs could try to target.More News: Former MLB Executive Expects Cubs to Win Trade Deadline: 'They're All-In'Landing a legitimate ace may not even be needed to push this team over the top, however, it certainly would not hurt if Chicago really does want to go all in as several reports have indicated they do.The Cubs are now in a spot where they need a starting pitcher right now, and while things may not develop for a couple of weeks, the already significant need for one is only increasing by the day.Look for Chicago to be involved in virtually every single rumor surrounding starting pitching over the next several weeks.For more Cubs news, head over to Cubs On SI.This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/cubs as Injury to Jameson Taillon Should Raise Cubs' Trade Deadline Urgency.

The St. Louis Cardinals turn their attention to the NL Central leading Chicago Cubs for a three-game series over the holiday weekend.

There’s a difference between playoff odds and World Series odds,” Jed Hoyer said. “Just getting in is not necessarily the ticket."