The Chicago Cubs' Bullpen Woes Continue
Game Recap
The Chicago Cubs' bullpen faltered once again Tuesday night. The Cubs held a 2-1 lead going into the ninth inning in the first game of a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, nominal closer Hector Neris had a meltdown and ultimately surrendered a three-run walk-off home run to Brandon Lowe, resulting in a 5-2 loss for Chicago.
This defeat marks a troubling trend for the Cubs, who have now lost 13 of their last 18 games. The loss dropped Chicago to a 32-35 record on the season, while the Rays improved to an identical 32-35.
Struggling Bullpen
The Cubs' bullpen has been a significant problem area, now ranking 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. In another instance, they lost a game that was tied in the seventh inning. If the bullpen had managed to hold those leads, the Cubs could perhaps have a record of 8-10 instead of the current 5-13 run.
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). Various performance statistics indicate a less impressive picture, with his FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) standing at 4.11 and xFIP (expected FIP) at 4.75. Neris is 9-for-12 in save chances this season, but his inability to close out games has highlighted the bullpen's broader issues.
Offensive Woes
The Cubs' offense has also been a concern, managing just two runs on Tuesday and averaging 3.89 runs per game during this recent stretch. The inability to score more runs has added pressure on an already struggling bullpen, leaving the team with little margin for error every night.
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. However, the Cubs need to address their problems quickly to stay competitive.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs' schedule doesn’t get any easier as they continue their series with the Rays. Matchups with several strong teams are coming in the next few 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. The Cubs are at a critical juncture. The bullpen's struggles underscore larger issues that extend to the entire team's performance. With the season far from over, there is still time for a turnaround. Whether they can seize the moment remains to be seen.