Cubs Face Struggles as Playoff Hopes Waver
Challenges in the Cubs’ Rotation
Kevin Gausman’s stint with the Chicago Cubs has highlighted two sides of his performance. On some days, he demonstrates why he was acquired to strengthen the rotation. On others, like Wednesday night at American Family Field, his struggles are evident. He gave up seven runs (six earned) to the Milwaukee Brewers, placing the Cubs in a six-run deficit within two innings. Despite a spirited five-run ninth inning, the Cubs fell 8-6, suffering a sweep by the Brewers.
Manager Craig Counsell noted, “We’re not playing good enough. There are multiple areas we’re lacking. We had a defensive mistake costing us a run and some bullpen issues.” Gausman’s fluctuating starts have been a key concern. In three of his seven starts, he allowed five or more earned runs while achieving quality starts in three other games.
Christian Yelich delivered a decisive three-run home run off Gausman’s fastball, with Jackson Chourio and William Contreras hitting homers off his splitters. Gausman admitted, “I just need to pitch better and execute. I shouldn’t throw lazy pitches in the zone.”
Playoff Positioning Uncertain
With a record of 81-66 and riding a four-game losing streak, the Cubs are seeking regrouping during Thursday’s off day as their playoff spot becomes precarious. Less than a month ago, their postseason berth seemed assured. On August 12, they led by 7.5 games for a playoff spot and had a 6.5 game lead for the National League’s first wild-card position.
Fast forward to Wednesday, after the Brewers’ sweep, the Cubs cling to the second wild-card spot, trailing the Phillies by 1.5 games and leading Padres by only 2.5 games. We’ve lost 16 of their last 26 games.
Ian Happ stated, “It wasn’t the series we wanted. We’re in a position where we control our destiny. We aim to play playoff baseball, and have over two weeks to push forward and finish strong.”
Concerns with the Bullpen
The Cubs bullpen faces pressing challenges as mid-September approaches, particularly in leverage situations. Jacob Webb, a veteran right-hander, has faltered in closing games after a robust two-month scoreless streak ended.
Counsell mentioned the lack of set roles within the bullpen despite Webb’s stellar initial performance. “Jacob was taking the biggest outs of the game, delivering well for four months,” Counsell said.
With 15 games left, the Cubs must tackle their bullpen’s 5.08 ERA and decrease their -0.7 fWAR since August 21.
Long Ball Troubles
The Cubs face an unwanted statistic, as their pitchers are struggling with home run allowances. A strong offensive unit in the league leads in homers (203) while the pitching staff has allowed the most home runs (221).
Gausman’s three homers on Wednesday added to this total. Pitching mishaps have impacted the Cubs’ performances late in games. The front office is keenly aware of this issue.
Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations, acknowledged, “We have to work on giving up fewer homers. It’s been a challenge. We have to consider this thoroughly.”
The rotation includes sinkerballers Clay Holmes and David Peterson, along with Gausman, whose splitter-fastball offers potential for groundball outs. However, the long ball negates opportunities for elite defense.
Gausman conveyed confidence in the team, “We’re confident in this group. We shouldn’t dwell on setbacks.”