The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a pivotal juncture as they strive to avoid a demoralizing four-game sweep at the hands of the San Francisco Giants. Currently, the team is grappling with both on-field struggles and injury concerns, signaling that changes might be needed if the Cubs wish to turn their season around.
Javier Assad’s Impact and Absence
One of the bright spots for the Cubs this season has been pitcher Javier Assad. With a team-leading WAR of 2.2, his contributions have been invaluable. Assad has posted a solid 4-3 record with a 3.04 ERA over 83 innings. A deeper dive into his season stats reveals a stellar performance in May, where he managed a 2.27 ERA, showcasing his potential to be a reliable arm for the Cubs.
However, June was not as kind to Assad. He recorded a 0-2 record with a less impressive 5.49 ERA, indicating some struggles on the mound. Unfortunately for the Cubs, Assad has now hit the injured list due to a forearm extensor strain. This setback is a significant blow for the team, which has heavily relied on his performances to stabilize their pitching rotation.
Other Pitching Alternatives
In the absence of Assad, the Cubs will need their other pitchers to step up. Shota Imanaga has been nothing short of phenomenal, boasting an impressive 0.84 ERA through nine starts. Additionally, Jameson Taillon has proven to be consistent with a solid 2.90 ERA. Justin Steele, over his 11 starts, has maintained a commendable 3.08 ERA. The team will also look to emerging talents like Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks, who have both shown promise in their recent starts.
Offensive and Defensive Woes
While pitching has its high points, the Cubs' offense and defense paint a different picture. Offensively, the Cubs rank 11th in the National League in runs scored and hold the 12th position in both batting average and slugging percentage. Their on-base percentage is slightly better, ranking 8th, but overall the offensive output has been lackluster.
Defensive issues are also plaguing the Cubs. The team is in the bottom third in defensive runs saved and nearly at the bottom in total zone runs. These deficiencies highlight a pressing need for improvement in their defensive strategies and player performances.
Compounding these struggles is the bullpen's performance. The bullpen has accumulated 22 losses and blown 17 saves this season, critical metrics that have undoubtedly contributed to the Cubs' poor standing.
A Season of Contrasts
The Cubs' season has been a tale of two parts. They started off strong, with a promising 17-9 record that gave fans hope for a successful campaign. Since that early surge, however, the team has faltered, compiling a 20-35 record with a -58 run differential. These struggles have left the Cubs with a 37-44 record, anchoring them at the bottom of their division.
This combination of early-season success followed by a prolonged slump indicates that while there is potential within the current roster, consistency remains elusive. The loss of key players like Javier Assad to injury highlights the thin margin for error the team faces.
The Cubs face a critical moment, both for their immediate prospects this season and their long-term strategy. As they attempt to avoid a sweep by the Giants, the organization must take a hard look at their weaknesses and work towards addressing them. Whether through player development, trades, or other means, significant steps are necessary to turn their season around and build a sustainable path to success.