Chicago Managers Facing Bullpen Challenges Amidst Season Struggles
On Saturday, both Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs and Will Venable of the Chicago White Sox relied on their bullpens with similar outcomes. Counsell’s Cubs lost an 8-6 lead against the Toronto Blue Jays, while Venable’s White Sox were defeated 4-1 by the Detroit Tigers due to bullpen inefficiencies. This trend continued for the White Sox on Sunday as they blew leads and ended with a 5-4 loss, getting swept in Detroit and concluding a disappointing 1-5 road trip.
Reliance on bullpens is a common challenge for all baseball managers today. The average number of pitchers a team uses per game is 4.23, and this figure has remained above 4.11 since 2015. As starters’ pitch counts reduce, and relievers’ velocities increase, managers often face criticism for bullpen decisions when results falter.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell was once praised for his bullpen management in Milwaukee, but now faces scrutiny for his decisions amid inconsistent performances. Venable is under less pressure, as expectations for the Sox were low last year. However, as they contend this season, Venable’s strategies will receive greater attention, especially with the important series against the Cleveland Guardians approaching.
Both managers are working with what they have, yet neither the Cubs nor the Sox bullpen has demonstrated consistent reliability over the season’s first three months. As of Sunday, Cubs relievers rank 12th in the majors with a 3.82 ERA. However, they’ve regressed since June with a 4.94 ERA and several blown saves. The absence of closer Daniel Palencia has impacted the bullpen, highlighted by the struggles of Trent Thornton, Caleb Thielbar, and Jacob Webb.
The Cubs have performed a major offseason overhaul, notably allowing effective reliever Brad Keller to sign with the Phillies, who offered a competitive deal. Injuries have further strained the Cubs’ bullpen, and recent acquisitions have not met expectations.
Sox relievers ranked 18th in ERA on Sunday, worsened by frequent use of openers, mixing performances at home and more challenging conditions on the road. The White Sox revamped their bullpen post-2025, with several trades and signings aimed at improving relief pitching. Despite some success, issues like Jordan Hicks’ inconsistency and Seranthony DomÃnguez’s control problems persist.
Both teams rely on bullpen strategies that include openers, bulk pitchers, and player adjustments to optimize performance. These innovative approaches necessitate adaptability from players and managers alike. For Venable, the use of openers continues to be a tactical approach, receiving varied responses from players but contributing positively for some like Erick Fedde.
Ultimately, Chicago remains a challenging city for baseball management. As the Cubs head to New York and the Sox prepare for their showdown against Cleveland, bullpen performance remains crucial for both teams’ fortunes. Counsell and Venable strive to navigate through the pressure, knowing their strategies will be closely watched in the coming weeks.