The Cubs' Slippery Slope
As the Chicago Cubs brace themselves for another crucial matchup against the San Francisco Giants, the stakes have rarely been higher. A four-game sweep looms ominously if they can’t turn their fortunes around Thursday afternoon. This fixture comes at a particularly challenging moment, as the Cubs have been grappling with inconsistent form, injuries, and an underperforming bullpen.
Key Injuries and Performances
One of the most significant setbacks for the Cubs is the loss of Javier Assad, who has been sidelined with a forearm extensor strain. The pitcher has been one of the standout performers for the Cubs this season. Boasting a WAR of 2.2, Assad not only leads the team in this crucial metric but also has a respectable 4-3 record with a 3.04 ERA over 83 innings pitched. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the Cubs' rotation, especially considering his stellar performance in May, where he posted a 2.27 ERA.
However, June has told a different story for Assad. Despite his strong start, he struggled to find his form this past month, accruing a 0-2 record alongside a concerning 5.49 ERA. While these numbers may reflect a temporary dip, the Cubs will certainly miss his contributions as they look to arrest their current slump.
Other Contributors
Stepping into the limelight in the pitching department is Shota Imanaga, who has been nothing short of spectacular. Through nine starts, Imanaga boasts an astounding 0.84 ERA. Coupled with Jameson Taillon’s 2.90 ERA and Justin Steele’s 3.08 ERA over 11 starts, the Cubs have shown they have the tools when it comes to starting pitching.
Beyond the starters, Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks have also delivered positive performances, demonstrating that the future could be brighter with these young arms developing well. However, pitching isn't the only picture in this complex puzzle.
Offensive and Defensive Woes
The Cubs have been less impressive on the offensive and defensive fronts. Offensively, the team ranks 11th in the National League in runs scored, 12th in batting average, 8th in on-base percentage, and 12th in slugging. These middling rankings reflect an overall struggle to consistently generate and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Defensively, the metrics are equally discouraging. The bullpen has been a sore spot, taking a staggering 22 losses and blowing 17 saves this season. Alongside these issues, the Cubs' overall defensive efficiency is below average. They rank in the bottom third in defensive runs saved and are near the bottom in total zone runs, making it clear that defensive lapses have had a significant impact.
The team's standing at 37-44 underscores these struggles, anchoring them firmly in the last place within their division. After starting the season with a promising 17-9 record, the Cubs have since spiraled to a disheartening 20-35 record with a -58 run differential.
The Path Forward
As the Cubs look to salvage their season, much will depend on their ability to patch up the holes both on the mound and in the field. While Assad's return remains uncertain, the pressure will be on the rest of the pitching staff to step up and fill the void. Additionally, improved performance at the plate and tighter defensive play are non-negotiables if the Cubs hope to climb out of the basement of their division.
The remainder of the season hangs in the balance. With every game carrying immense weight, the Cubs will need to channel the resilience and form that saw them dominate early in the season. Thursday afternoon’s game against the Giants presents yet another opportunity to start that turnaround.