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The Chicago Cubs' bullpen struggles continue to mount, evidenced by another difficult night on Tuesday. In the opening game of a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Cubs took a 2-1 lead into the ninth inning, only to see it slip away. Nominal closer Hector Neris, who had shown some promise earlier in the season, melted down by surrendering a three-run walk-off home run to Brandon Lowe, resulting in a 5-2 loss (TB 5, CHC 2).
Recent Struggles in the Bullpen
This defeat marks the latest chapter in a troubling trend for the Cubs, who have now dropped 13 of their last 18 games. The bullpen’s performance has been particularly problematic, with concerning stats to illustrate its woes. The Cubs' bullpen is currently ranked 25th in ERA (4.47), 26th in WHIP (1.37), 22nd in strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.23), and 27th in win probability added (-0.66) for the season.
The situation has reached a critical juncture, as the team has lost three games during this dismal 5-13 stretch despite holding leads in the sixth inning or later. Additionally, they have lost a game that was tied in the seventh inning. Holding onto those leads could have resulted in a different narrative—one of an 8-10 stretch instead of the current 5-13 run.
Hector Neris: A Rollercoaster Performance
The recent bullpen disaster underscores the smoke and mirrors surrounding Hector Neris. Over the winter, Neris signed a one-year deal worth $9 million, and while he entered Tuesday's game with a respectable 2.63 ERA, his underlying metrics told a different story. He had walked 17 batters, nearly as many as he had struck out (22), with performance estimators like a 4.11 ERA and 4.75 xERA suggesting that his ERA was not reflective of his true performance. To date, Neris is 9 for 12 in save chances, but his inconsistency has contributed to the bullpen's overall struggles.
The bullpen issues are glaringly apparent, but they are not the sole problem plaguing the Cubs. Tuesday's game saw the offense manage just two runs, emblematic of a broader issue. During this 5-13 stretch, the Cubs' offense has only been averaging 3.89 runs per game, not giving their relievers the breathing room they desperately need. This lack of run support only magnifies the bullpen's shortcomings, creating a scenario where the Cubs have little to no margin for error night after night.
Offensive Woes Add to the Problem
Despite the shaky bullpen and inconsistent offense, there is a glimmer of hope: the Cubs are only one game out of a wild-card spot. Mediocrity is widespread in the National League this season, and there is still plenty of time for a turnaround. However, the Cubs need immediate improvements in both their bullpen performance and offensive output if they hope to gain ground in the wild-card race.
The fans’ patience is wearing thin as the margin for error continues to shrink. Tuesday's loss dropped Chicago to a 32-35 record, paralleling the improved Rays who now hold an identical 32-35 record. The Cubs' upcoming schedule does not lighten up; they continue their series with the Rays and have several tough matchups looming in the weeks ahead. If this team aspires to stay in the wild-card hunt, changes must come swiftly.
Imperative Need for Improvement
Addressing the bullpen's struggles is paramount but not the sole solution. The Cubs need a holistic approach that includes a more consistent offensive production to support their pitching staff. The total team performance needs an uplift, highlighting the interconnected nature of baseball intricacies. Whether it's holding late-inning leads or generating more early offensive momentum, every aspect of their game must improve.
Time is running out, and the Cubs find themselves at a critical juncture. The blame doesn't rest solely on the bullpen or any individual player but rather reflects a broader systemic issue within the team. However, the window for rectifying these problems and making a playoff push is still open. It is now up to the Cubs to seize the moment and make the necessary adjustments.
As the Cubs look to turn the corner, the questions remain: Can they shore up their bullpen? Can the offense provide the run support needed to alleviate pressure on the relievers? These are the issues that will define the remainder of their season. Time will tell if they can rise to the occasion and make a push for the postseason or if these struggles will define their year.