The Cubs’ Bullpen Strikes Again
The Chicago Cubs' bullpen woes continued on Tuesday night, presenting another setback for the team. Despite taking a 2-1 lead into the ninth inning in the first game of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Cubs couldn’t secure the victory. Nominal closer Hector Neris experienced a meltdown, eventually surrendering a three-run walk-off home run to Brandon Lowe, leading to a 5-2 defeat for the Cubs.
A Troubling Trend
This loss marks the 13th defeat in the last 18 games for Chicago, exposing glaring issues within the bullpen. Currently, the Cubs' bullpen ranks 25th in ERA (4.47), 26th in WHIP (1.37), and 22nd in strikeout-to-walk rate (2.23). Moreover, they rank 27th in win probability added (-0.66) this season. During this dismal 5-13 stretch, the Cubs have notably lost three games despite leading in the sixth inning or later and another in the seventh inning, when the game was tied.
If the bullpen had managed to hold those leads, the Cubs could have been facing a more respectable 8-10 record rather than the disastrous 5-13 run they're currently enduring.
Hector Neris’ Struggles
Hector Neris, who was signed to a one-year deal worth $9 million over the winter, came into Tuesday's game with a respectable 2.63 ERA. However, the cracks in his performance are beginning to show. Neris had walked 17 batters, nearly matching his total strikeouts (22). Performance estimators indicate there's some room for concern, with a 4.11 ERA and 4.75 xERA suggesting his success might not be sustainable. Despite being 9 for 12 in save chances, Neris’ inability to close out games has been a significant issue.
Offensive Inconsistency
While the bullpen's issues are glaring, the offense hasn’t been pulling its weight either. On Tuesday, the Cubs managed just two runs and have been averaging a mere 3.89 runs per game during this 5-13 stretch. This lack of run support exacerbates the pressure on the bullpen. The team seems to be walking a tightrope every night with little margin for error.
Despite these struggles, there seems to be a silver lining. The Cubs are only one game out of a wild-card spot, thanks to widespread mediocrity within the National League. This underscores the importance of the bullpen and offense stepping up their game as the season progresses.
Season Outlook
Tuesday’s loss dropped Chicago to a 32-35 record for the season, coincidentally matching the Rays, who improved to an identical 32-35. With no respite in their schedule, the Cubs will need to face several strong teams in the coming weeks. To remain in the wild-card race, Chicago must see quick improvements in both bullpen performance and offensive output. Fans are growing impatient, and the team’s margin for error continues to shrink.
At a Crossroads
Chicago is undoubtedly at a critical juncture. The bullpen's struggles are symptomatic of broader issues affecting the entire team's performance. There is still time to turn the season around, but the window of opportunity is closing.
Whether the Cubs can seize the moment remains to be seen.
Quotes
"The Chicago Cubs bullpen struck again Tuesday night."
"Nominal closer Hector Neris melted down, eventually surrendering a three-run walk-off home run to Brandon Lowe."
"Chicago has now lost 13 of its last 18 games."