The Chicago Cubs suffered a bitterly disappointing loss to the San Francisco Giants this past Monday, falling 7-6 despite appearing to control the game with a solid lead heading into the final innings.
From Advantage to Collapse
The game started off on a positive note with Javier Assad having an outstanding performance, limiting the Giants to just one run in five innings. His effort provided the Cubs with a 6-3 lead going into the final part of the game, but this is where their luck took a sharp turn.
The bullpen, which has been a recurring problem for the Cubs this season, failed dramatically. Hayden Wesneski, in particular, had serious problems during his appearance on the mound. Wesneski suffered a historically poor outing, giving up a home run and issuing four walks in just one inning of work.
This performance underscored broader concerns about his recent form, as Wesneski has posted a troubling 7.45 ERA in his last 10 games. During this span, he has allowed seven walks and six home runs in less than 10 innings pitched, raising serious questions about his role in the Cubs bullpen going forward.
Mark Leiter Jr. was called in to relieve Wesneski, but was unable to stop the bleeding, contributing to the Giants' rally and the Cubs' eventual loss of the lead.
Adjustments and Decisions
The collective struggles of the Cubs bullpen were further highlighted by their season-long statistics, with the unit showing a cumulative ERA of 4.59, ranking 24th in the Major Leagues.
This loss marked the 16th blown save of the season for the Cubs, tying them for the most blown saves in the MLB in 2024, emphasizing the team's continued struggles to close out games despite solid performances from their starting pitchers.
In stark contrast, the Cubs' starting rotation has been a beacon of consistency, sporting a respectable 3.45 ERA that ranks sixth in the league.
However, their efforts have often been in vain due to the bullpen's inability to preserve leads, underscoring a persistent problem that has plagued the team all season.
The frustrating loss to the Giants has amplified calls for change among fans and analysts alike. Many are frustrated with the bullpen's inconsistency and have begun to question the approach taken by general manager Jed Hoyer to address these persistent problems.
The Cubs' inability to capitalize on offensive opportunities further exacerbated their problems in this game, with multiple missed opportunities to score with runners in scoring position.
The aftermath of this loss has prompted discussions about possible roster adjustments. Suggestions include relegating struggling relievers like Wesneski back to Triple-A Iowa and exploring alternative options within the organization.
The Cubs face critical decisions regarding underperforming pitchers such as Wesneski and Hector Neris, who also struggled in the recent game against the Giants.
Good morning, #SFGiants fans pic.twitter.com/cSwrvhqcb5
- SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 18, 2024
Hopes Decline
The sense of urgency among fans and commentators is palpable, with widespread calls for quick action by Cubs management to salvage what remains of the season.
Looking ahead to their next matchup, the Cubs are pinning their hopes on Justin Steele, who is scheduled to start against the Giants' Logan Webb.
There is cautious optimism that Steele can deliver a solid performance on the mound, but much attention will be focused on the bullpen's ability to deliver a more reliable performance and support their starting pitcher.
The outcome of this upcoming game will likely weigh significantly on the Cubs' immediate strategy and in addressing the glaring problems that have marked their season thus far.
