The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a crossroads as they strive to prevent a four-game sweep by the San Francisco Giants Thursday afternoon. This comes amid a season that has seen its share of struggles, highlighted by a recent string of poor performances and a rash of injuries, the most notable being pitcher Javier Assad, who was sidelined with a forearm extensor strain.
The Impact of Javier Assad
Assad's absence hits the Cubs hard given his substantial contributions this season. Sporting a team-high WAR of 2.2, his statistics underline his value on the mound. With a record of 4-3 and a 3.04 ERA over 83 innings, Assad has been a stable hand for the Cubs' pitching rotation.
In May, Assad was particularly effective, logging a stellar 2.27 ERA. However, his performance dipped in June, where he recorded a 0-2 record with a 5.49 ERA. Despite this recent downturn, his overall impact remains significant.
Pitching Standouts Amidst Struggles
Even with Assad on the injured list, there's been some positive news on the pitching front. Shota Imanaga has been a revelation with an impressive 0.84 ERA through nine starts, offering a bright spot in a somewhat underwhelming season for the Cubs. Additionally, Jameson Taillon's consistent performance, reflected in his 2.90 ERA, and Justin Steele's 3.08 ERA over 11 starts, have provided some stability to the Cubs’ embattled rotation.
Moreover, contributions from Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks in their respective starts also deserve acknowledgment, illustrating that the Cubs have potential talent waiting in the wings.
The Offensive Struggle
While the Cubs' pitching staff has shown flashes of promise, the same cannot be said for their offense. Currently, the Cubs rank 11th in the National League in runs scored and 12th in batting average. Despite a decent on-base percentage (8th in the league), the team's slugging percentage languishes at 12th.
The offensive woes have directly impacted their ability to close out games, with the bullpen suffering 22 losses and blowing 17 saves this season. The inability to consistently put runs on the board and secure leads has been a significant factor in their struggles.
Defensive Deficiencies
The Cubs' defense has also been a concern. With an overall defensive efficiency that falls below average and ratings in the bottom third for defensive runs saved, it is clear that the Cubs' issues are not limited to just their offense. The team is nearly at the bottom in total zone runs, highlighting the defensive lapses that have plagued them throughout the season.
A Tale of Two Seasons
The Cubs' season has been a tale of two distinct phases. They roared out of the gate with a promising 17-9 record, but since then, they've experienced a drastic decline, going 20-35 with a -58 run differential. This downturn has anchored them at the bottom of their division with a 37-44 record.
As the Cubs look to the future, overcoming their current slump will necessitate a significant turnaround. With key players like Javier Assad on the injured list, the onus will be on the remaining roster to step up and fill the void. Whether this team can rebound and find the form that saw them start the season so promisingly remains to be seen.
For now, the focus is on avoiding the embarrassment of a four-game sweep by the Giants and finding some way to recapture the early-season magic that has so far eluded them in recent months.