The Chicago Cubs face a critical moment as they aim to avoid a four-game sweep by the San Francisco Giants Thursday afternoon. As the team grapples with a slew of issues, both on the mound and at the plate, the pressure mounts for a turnaround.
Injury Woes and Pitching Challenges
The recent addition of Javier Assad to the injured list due to a forearm extensor strain compounds the Cubs' woes. Assad has been a standout performer, boasting a WAR of 2.2—the highest on the team. His record of 4-3, coupled with a commendable 3.04 ERA across 83 innings, underscores his value. Notably, Assad shone in May with a 2.27 ERA. However, June brought a downturn, with a 0-2 record and a 5.49 ERA, further highlighting his inconsistency.
In the midst of these challenges, other pitchers have stepped up. Shota Imanaga has been a revelation, maintaining a startling 0.84 ERA through nine starts. Similarly, Jameson Taillon has been reliable, sporting a 2.90 ERA. Justin Steele, with his 3.08 ERA over 11 starts, also merits mention. Additionally, Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks have made positive contributions in their respective starts, providing some much-needed depth.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Gaps
Offensively, the Cubs have struggled to find their rhythm. They rank 11th in the National League in runs scored and 12th in batting average. Their on-base percentage is a bit more promising, standing at 8th, yet they remain 12th in slugging. These numbers suggest a team that struggles to string together hits and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Defensively, the picture is equally bleak. The bullpen has been particularly problematic, having taken 22 losses and blown 17 saves this season. The overall defensive efficiency of the Cubs is below average. With the club in the bottom third in defensive runs saved and nearly at the bottom in total zone runs, it’s clear that fielding fumbles have been costly.
A Season of Highs and Lows
The season started with a promising 17-9 record, giving fans hope that the Cubs could be serious contenders. Yet, since this early surge, the team has faltered, posting a disappointing 20-35 record with a -58 run differential. This decline has anchored them in last place within their division, with an overall record of 37-44.
The Cubs’ current struggles evoke many questions about the future. Can the bullpen stabilize and stop blowing critical saves? Will the defensive lineup tighten up and save precious runs? Can the offense find a more consistent rhythm? As the Cubs face the Giants Thursday afternoon, these questions loom large. With critical players like Javier Assad on the injured list, the rest of the squad will need to elevate their performance to avoid a sweep and begin the climb out of their current rut.