The Chicago Cubs are staring down a critical juncture in their season as they seek to avoid a four-game sweep by the San Francisco Giants on Thursday afternoon. This predicament has been exacerbated by mounting challenges on the mound, notably the recent loss of Javier Assad to the injured list due to a forearm extensor strain. Assad has been a pivotal figure for the Cubs this season, owning a team-high WAR of 2.2 and compiling a 4-3 record with a respectable 3.04 ERA across 83 innings. His absence leaves a significant void in the roster, particularly at a time when Chicago can ill afford further setbacks.
Assad’s performance has been somewhat of a rollercoaster. He shone brightly in May with a stellar 2.27 ERA, an encouraging sign for Cubs fans desperate for stability in the rotation. However, June proved to be less kind, seeing him struggle to a 0-2 record and a concerning 5.49 ERA. This inconsistency casts a shadow over the Cubs’ hopes of mounting a credible challenge within their division.
Meanwhile, Shota Imanaga has delivered a remarkable 0.84 ERA through nine starts, providing a glimmer of hope for the pitching staff. Jameson Taillon’s contribution cannot be overstated either, with a commendable 2.90 ERA, and Justin Steele has maintained a solid 3.08 ERA over 11 starts, adding depth and resilience to the Cubs' rotation. Additionally, Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks have also made positive impacts in their respective opportunities on the mound.
However, the Cubs’ offensive woes continue to undermine their efforts. They rank 11th in the National League in runs scored and a meager 12th in batting average. Their on-base percentage is slightly better at 8th, but their slugging percentage relegates them to 12th, underscoring a lack of power and consistency in the lineup. These statistical shortcomings paint a bleak picture for the Cubs' offensive production.
Compounding these issues is the bullpen's performance, which has been a source of significant concern. The Cubs' bullpen has accumulated 22 losses and blown 17 saves this season. These figures highlight a critical area where the team has repeatedly faltered, often squandering leads and putting undue pressure on the starters.
Defensive struggles have also plagued the Cubs. Their overall defensive efficiency has been below average, and they languish in the bottom third in defensive runs saved. Moreover, they are nearly at the bottom in total zone runs, reflecting a team that has struggled to convert defensive plays effectively.
The season started with a glimmer of promise as the Cubs raced to a 17-9 record. However, that early surge quickly dissipated as inconsistency set in. Since that hopeful beginning, the Cubs have stumbled to a 20-35 record with a disheartening -58 run differential. This dramatic downturn has left them anchored in last place within their division with an overall record of 37-44.
As the Cubs prepare for their upcoming clash with the Giants, the stakes could not be higher. The need to halt their downward trajectory is imperative if they wish to salvage their season. The spotlight will be on the remaining pitchers to step up in Assad’s absence and on the offense to break out of its slump. Whether they can rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Cubs' margin for error has all but vanished.