The Chicago Cubs' Bullpen Woes Continue
On Tuesday night, the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen faltered yet again, this time in a crucial matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays. They managed to take a 2-1 lead into the ninth inning in the first game of a three-game series. However, the night ended in disappointment as nominal closer Hector Neris melted down, surrendering a three-run walk-off home run to Brandon Lowe, culminating in a 5-2 loss (TB 5, CHC 2).
A Struggling Relief Squad
This latest debacle has highlighted the ongoing issues within the Cubs' bullpen, which has become a glaring problem for the team. Chicago has now lost 13 of its last 18 games, underlining a worrying trend. The bullpen currently 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. During this troubling 5-13 stretch, the Cubs have 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 onto those leads, we could be discussing a frustrating 8-10 stretch instead of a disastrous 5-13 run. Neris, who was signed to a one-year deal worth $9 million over the winter, entered Tuesday's game with a respectable 2.63 ERA. However, he had walked 17 batters, nearly as many as he had struck out (22). The various performance estimators indicate there may be some issues lurking beneath the surface, with a 4.11 ERA and a 4.75 xERA pointing to potential trouble. Neris is 9 for 12 in save chances, but the bullpen's issues are apparent and problematic.
Offensive Struggles Compound Issues
Unfortunately for the Cubs, their offensive struggles have compounded the bullpen's issues. The team managed just two runs on Tuesday and has been averaging a mere 3.89 runs per game during this 5-13 stretch. The offense could significantly relieve the relievers by scoring more runs. It feels like the Cubs have no margin for error every night, creating an untenable situation for sustained success.
Despite the shaky bullpen, inconsistent offense, and their 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, providing Chicago with ample time to turn their season around. Clearly, though, problems need fixing within the team, particularly in the bullpen and offensive consistency.
A Critical Juncture
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 with several strong teams in the coming weeks. If Chicago hopes to stay in the wild-card race, improvements must come quickly in both bullpen performance and offensive output. Fans are growing increasingly impatient, and the margin for error is shrinking rapidly.
The Cubs find themselves 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 it will require significant adjustments and improvements. Whether they can seize the moment and salvage their season remains to be seen.