The Cubs' Bullpen Struggles Again
The Chicago Cubs' bullpen faltered once more on Tuesday night, continuing a worrying trend that has plagued the team throughout the season. The Cubs took a narrow 2-1 lead into the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in what was the first game of a three-game series. However, this advantage quickly evaporated due to a meltdown from their nominal closer, Hector Neris. Neris surrendered a three-run walk-off home run to Brandon Lowe, resulting in a 5-2 loss for the Cubs.
With this defeat, Chicago has lost 13 of its last 18 games—an alarming statistic for a team that began the season with postseason aspirations. The bullpen's performance has been a significant factor in this downturn, as evidenced by their subpar rankings in critical metrics. The Cubs' bullpen currently stands 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). These figures reflect a unit in dire need of improvement.
Missed Opportunities
During this dismal 5-13 stretch, the Cubs have notably squandered three games in which they were leading in the sixth inning or later. Additionally, they lost one game that was tied in the seventh inning. These missed opportunities highlight the bullpen's failings, which have turned potential wins into painful losses. If the bullpen had held firm in those situations, the Cubs' record could have been a more palatable 8-10 rather than the disastrous 5-13 they currently must digest.
The struggles of Hector Neris are emblematic of the bullpen's woes. Signed to a one-year deal worth $9 million over the winter, Neris entered Tuesday's game with a respectable 2.63 ERA. However, his control issues are evident, having walked 17 batters, nearly as many as his 22 strikeouts. Performance metrics suggest that his surface-level success might be somewhat deceptive, with estimators pointing to a 4.11 ERA and 4.75 xERA. Neris is 9-for-12 in save opportunities but has cracked under pressure in crucial moments.
Offense Struggling Alongside the Bullpen
The offensive issues also compound the bullpen's struggles. The Cubs managed just two runs on Tuesday and are averaging a mere 3.89 runs per game during this 5-13 stretch. Such paltry offensive output places tremendous pressure on the relievers, magnifying their mistakes. With the margin for error so slim, the need for offensive consistency is paramount.
Despite the bullpen's erratic performance, the sluggish offense, and the team's overall poor record in the last 18 games, there is a glimmer of hope. Remarkably, the Cubs are only one game out of a wild-card spot, thanks to widespread mediocrity in the National League. This ensures that there is still time to turn things around, although it is clear that the Cubs have notable issues that require immediate attention.
Tuesday's loss dropped Chicago to 32-35 on the season, while the Rays improved to an identical 32-35 record. The Cubs' schedule does not get any easier as they continue their series with the Rays and face several strong teams in the upcoming weeks.
Critical Juncture for the Cubs
If Chicago hopes to stay in the wild-card race, improvements need to be swift and decisive, particularly in bullpen performance and offensive output. Fans are growing increasingly impatient, and the team’s margin for error continues to shrink. The Cubs are at a critical juncture in their season where continued failure could spell the end of their playoff hopes.
While the bullpen’s struggles underscore a broader issue affecting the entire team's performance, there is still time for a turnaround. The question remains whether the Cubs can seize the moment and make the necessary changes to salvage their season. The urgency to rectify these issues cannot be overstated, as the team looks to regain its footing and re-enter the postseason conversation.