The Chicago Cubs find themselves in dire straits, hoping to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the San Francisco Giants this Thursday afternoon. The once-promising season has turned into an uphill battle, plagued by injuries, inconsistent performances, and a struggling bullpen.
Injury Setback for Assad
A major blow came with Javier Assad hitting the injured list due to a forearm extensor strain. Assad, leading the team with a WAR of 2.2, has been a bright spot in a dim season. His impressive 4-3 record and 3.04 ERA across 83 innings were pivotal for the Cubs, particularly during his standout May, where he posted a 2.27 ERA. Unfortunately, June told a different story for Assad, with a 0-2 record and a 5.49 ERA, giving a glimpse into the team's recent struggles.
Pitching Ups and Downs
For the Cubs, the pitching mound has seen its highs and lows. Shota Imanaga has been a revelation, boasting a stellar 0.84 ERA through nine starts. Meanwhile, Jameson Taillon and Justin Steele have remained reliable, with ERAs of 2.90 and 3.08 over 11 starts, respectively. Adding to the mix, Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks have also put in commendable performances, providing some stability in the rotation.
Offensive Woes
Offensively, the Cubs have been inconsistent. Ranking 11th in the National League in runs scored and 12th in batting average, their lineup has struggled to find rhythm. However, they maintain a respectable 8th place in on-base percentage, offering a glimmer of hope. Slugging has been another weak point, with the team sitting at 12th in the league. This lack of firepower has significantly contributed to their subpar offensive performance.
Defensive Difficulties and Bullpen Blunders
Compounding their issues, the Cubs' defense has been a source of concern. Their overall defensive efficiency is below average, and they languish in the bottom third in defensive runs saved and nearly at the bottom in total zone runs. This has only exacerbated the pressure on a beleaguered bullpen. The bullpen's 22 losses and 17 blown saves have been critical in the Cubs' downward spiral.
From Early Promise to Struggles
The season began with high hopes as the Cubs surged to a 17-9 start. However, since that early success, they have stumbled, racking up a 20-35 record with a -58 run differential. This downturn has anchored them in last place within their division, currently standing at 37-44.
As the Cubs face the task of preventing a sweep by the Giants, they must rely on the resilience and performance of their remaining healthy players. The upcoming games will be crucial for the Cubs, not only to salvage this series but also to regain some traction in what has become a challenging season.