Chicago Cubs Enter Pivotal Moment in the Season
The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a precarious position as they aim to prevent a four-game sweep by the San Francisco Giants during their Thursday afternoon matchup. The stakes are undeniably high, as the Cubs look to bounce back from recent struggles and regain their footing in the National League.
One of the major setbacks for the Cubs is the sudden loss of pitcher Javier Assad, who has been placed on the injured list due to a forearm extensor strain. Assad's contribution to the team has been significant, boasting a WAR of 2.2, the highest on the team. He has compiled a 4-3 record with a commendable 3.04 ERA across 83 innings this season. Despite a stellar 2.27 ERA in May, Assad’s performance dipped in June, where he held a 0-2 record with a 5.49 ERA. His absence will undoubtedly leave a void in the Cubs' rotation.
Fortunately for the Cubs, other pitchers have stepped up in critical moments. Shota Imanaga leads the pack with a minuscule 0.84 ERA through nine starts, showcasing his potential as a reliable arm for the team. Meanwhile, Jameson Taillon has also been effective with a 2.90 ERA, and Justin Steele has maintained consistency over his 11 starts with a 3.08 ERA. Contributions from Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks in their respective starts have also been positive, offering some stability in the pitching department.
However, the larger issue plaguing the Cubs extends beyond the pitching mound. Offensively, the team ranks 11th in the National League in runs scored and 12th in batting average, indicating a need for more consistent production at the plate. While the Cubs rank a respectable 8th in on-base percentage, they languish at 12th in slugging, underscoring the challenges they've faced in converting opportunities into runs.
The bullpen has been a sore spot for the Cubs this season, bearing the brunt of 22 losses and blowing 17 saves. These struggles have cost the team crucial victories and underscored the need for improvement in late-game situations. Combined with the team’s overall subpar defensive efficiency, which places them in the bottom third in defensive runs saved and near the bottom in total zone runs, the Cubs' weaknesses have been exposed in key moments.
The season began with promise, as the Cubs started strong with a 17-9 record. Yet, since that early surge, they have struggled significantly, posting a 20-35 record with a -58 run differential. This decline has anchored them in last place within their division, currently holding a 37-44 record.
As the Cubs navigate this critical juncture, the emphasis will be on bolstering both offensive and defensive facets of their game. With key players sidelined and performance inconsistencies hampering their progress, the Cubs’ resilience will be tested in the coming weeks. Whether they can regroup and rekindle the momentum from their strong season start remains to be seen.