The Cubs' Bullpen Collapse Continues
The Chicago Cubs' bullpen woes struck again Tuesday night, leading to yet another demoralizing loss. Heading into the ninth inning with a 2-1 lead, the Cubs were in a prime position to secure a much-needed victory in the first game of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays. However, nominal closer Hector Neris melted down, surrendering a devastating three-run walk-off home run to Brandon Lowe, resulting in a 5-2 defeat for the Cubs.
With this loss, the Cubs have now dropped 13 of their last 18 games, a dire stretch that has exposed the team's glaring weaknesses. The bullpen, in particular, has been a significant source of frustration. Currently sitting 25th in ERA (4.47), 26th in WHIP (1.37), and 22nd in strikeout-to-walk rate (2.23), the bullpen's struggles have been a major factor in the Cubs' recent woes. Additionally, the pen ranks 27th in win probability added (-0.66) this season, underscoring the severity of the issue.
Late-Inning Troubles
During this dismal 5-13 stretch, the Cubs have lost three games despite leading in the sixth inning or later, and another game that was tied in the seventh inning. These collapses have been particularly painful for a team clinging to playoff hopes. If the bullpen had managed to hold those leads, the Cubs might be discussing a frustrating but more manageable 8-10 record instead of a disastrous 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, his performance has been less stable than his ERA might suggest. Neris has walked 17 batters, nearly as many as he has struck out (22), and performance estimators like his 4.11 ERA and 4.75 xERA indicate that his success has involved a fair bit of smoke and mirrors. Neris is 9 for 12 in save chances, but his recent struggles have been costly for the Cubs.
Anemic Offense Adds to Troubles
The bullpen's issues are not the Cubs' sole problem. The offense managed just two runs on Tuesday and has been averaging only 3.89 runs per game during this 5-13 stretch. A more productive offense could make life much easier for the relievers by providing greater run support. As it stands, the Cubs feel like they have no margin for error each night.
Despite the shaky bullpen, inconsistent offense, and a 5-13 record in their last 18 games, there is a small silver lining: the Cubs are only one game out of a wild-card spot. Mediocrity is widespread in the National League, and there is still plenty of time for the Cubs to turn things around. Nonetheless, the problems are evident and urgent.
A Critical Juncture
Tuesday's loss dropped Chicago to 32-35 on the season, an identical record to the Tampa Bay Rays. Unfortunately for the Cubs, the schedule only gets tougher, with matchups against 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 increasingly impatient as the margin for error continues to shrink. The Cubs are at a critical juncture, with the bullpen's struggles highlighting a larger issue that extends to the entire team's performance. There is still time for a turnaround, but it is imperative that the team seizes the moment and addresses its key weaknesses.
Whether the Cubs can rise to the occasion and salvage their season remains to be seen, but for now, the picture is grim. With critical games on the horizon, the resolve and resilience of the Cubs will be tested like never before.