The Chicago Cubs' Bullpen Woes Continue
The Chicago Cubs bullpen struck again Tuesday night. The Cubs took a 2-1 lead into the ninth inning in the first game of a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays, but nominal closer Hector Neris melted down, eventually surrendering a three-run walk-off home run to Brandon Lowe (TB 5, CHC 2). Chicago has now lost 13 of its last 18 games.
Statistical Struggles
The Cubs' bullpen now 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 dismal 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 those leads, we could be discussing a frustrating 8-10 stretch rather than a disastrous 5-13 run.
Spotlight on Hector Neris
Hector 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's some smoke and mirrors here: 4.11 ERA and 4.75 xERA. Neris is 9 for 12 in save chances.
While the bullpen's issues are glaring, they aren't the Cubs' only problem. The offense managed just two runs on Tuesday and has been averaging 3.89 runs per game during this 5-13 stretch. The offense could make life much easier for the relievers by, you know, scoring more runs. It feels like the Cubs have no margin for error every night.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the shaky bullpen, inconsistent offense, and a 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, and plenty of time remains to turn things around. Clearly, though, the Cubs have problems that need fixing.
Tuesday's loss dropped Chicago to 32-35 on the season. The Rays improved to an identical 32-35.
The Road Ahead
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 need to come quickly in both bullpen performance and offensive output. Fans are growing impatient, and the margin for error is shrinking.
In summary, the Cubs are at a critical juncture. The bullpen's struggles have highlighted a larger issue that extends to the entire team's performance. However, there is still time for a turnaround. Whether they can seize the moment remains to be seen.