The Chicago Cubs' Bullpen Woes Continue
The Chicago Cubs' bullpen struck again Tuesday night, leading to yet another disappointing loss. Taking a slim 2-1 lead into the ninth inning in the first game of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Cubs watched their hopes crumble as their nominal closer Hector Neris melted down, eventually surrendering a three-run walk-off home run to Brandon Lowe (TB 5, CHC 2). This game marks another chapter in what has become a troubling trend for Chicago.
A Troubling Stretch
Tuesday's defeat means that the Cubs have now lost 13 of their last 18 games. Their bullpen, a critical part of any successful baseball team, has been especially problematic. The bullpen now ranks 25th in ERA (4.47), 26th in WHIP (1.37), 22nd in strikeout-to-walk rate (2.23), and 27th in win probability added (-0.66) this season.
These statistics reveal the extent of the bullpen's struggles, encapsulating the frustration and disappointment that have come to define the Cubs' recent performance. In this dismal 5-13 stretch, the Cubs notably lost three games despite leading in the sixth inning or later. On another occasion, they lost a game that was tied in the seventh inning. If the bullpen had held those leads, we could be discussing a frustrating 8-10 stretch rather than a disastrous 5-13 run.
Hector Neris: A Closer Look
Hector Neris, the Cubs' nominal closer, was signed to a one-year deal worth $9 million over the winter. Despite entering Tuesday's game with a respectable 2.63 ERA, Neris had walked 17 batters, nearly as many as he had struck out (22). Various performance estimators indicate there's some smoke and mirrors with Neris’s performances, showing a 4.11 ERA and 4.75 xERA. Neris is 9 for 12 in save chances, which highlights his inconsistency on the mound.
Clearly, the bullpen's issues are glaring. While the offense managed just two runs on Tuesday, it has been averaging only 3.89 runs per game during this 5-13 stretch. The offense could make life much easier for the relievers by scoring more runs, but the current predicament means that the Cubs’ pitchers have no margin for error every night.
A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite the shaky bullpen, inconsistent offense, and a 5-13 record in the last 18 games, there is a silver lining: the Cubs are only one game out of a wild-card spot. Mediocrity is widespread in the National League, and plenty of time remains to turn things around. However, it is clear that the Cubs have problems that need fixing.
Tuesday's loss dropped Chicago to 32-35 on the season, while the Rays improved to an identical 32-35. The Cubs' schedule doesn’t get any easier as they continue their series with the Rays, followed by matchups against several strong teams in the coming weeks. If Chicago hopes to stay in the wild-card race, improvements need to come quickly in both bullpen performance and offensive output.
Fans' Patience Wearing Thin
Fans are growing impatient, and the margin for error is shrinking. The Cubs are at a critical juncture. The bullpen's struggles have highlighted a larger issue that extends to the entire team's performance. There is still time for a turnaround, but the clock is ticking. Whether they can seize the moment and capitalize on the remaining time in the season remains to be seen.
The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a precarious situation. Improving the bullpen is paramount if they want to have any chance of making the postseason. The offense must also step up, providing a buffer for their struggling relievers. With fans on edge and the competition not easing up, the Cubs must find a way to close out games and hold onto leads.
While their recent run has been a cause for concern, their proximity to a wild-card spot offers a ray of hope. The remaining weeks will be crucial as they look to address their weaknesses and make a late-season push. The challenges ahead are significant, but for the Cubs, the opportunity for redemption is still within reach.