The Chicago Cubs are staring down the barrel of a potential four-game sweep as they prepare to face the San Francisco Giants on Thursday afternoon. The situation has been compounded by the loss of pitcher Javier Assad, who has been sidelined with a forearm extensor strain. This comes as a significant blow given Assad's contributions to the team this season.
Assad, who boasts a 2.2 WAR (Wins Above Replacement)—the highest on the team—has been a pivotal figure in the Cubs' rotation. The right-hander has posted a respectable 4-3 record and a 3.04 ERA over 83 innings. His performance metrics were particularly impressive in May, where he achieved a 2.27 ERA, but recent struggles have surfaced with a 0-2 record and a 5.49 ERA in June.
Assad's absence adds to the growing challenges facing the Cubs' pitching staff. Despite the outstanding efforts of Shota Imanaga, who has delivered an exceptional 0.84 ERA through nine starts, and Jameson Taillon, who maintains a solid 2.90 ERA, the bullpen's inefficiencies have been glaring. The bullpen has accounted for 22 losses and 17 blown saves this season, reflecting the broader struggles on the mound.
The inconsistency extends beyond the bullpen. Justin Steele, who has compiled a 3.08 ERA over 11 starts, has been a reliable arm, and contributions from younger talent like Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks have been promising. However, the overall team performance has been below expectations, particularly when juxtaposed with the impressive start to their season.
The Cubs' bats have not been able to shoulder the load either. Offensively, the Cubs rank 11th in the National League in runs scored and are 12th in batting average. Their on-base percentage of 8th place offers a glimmer of hope, but a 12th place in slugging emphasizes that power hitting has been a struggle. As a result, the team has found it challenging to provide ample run support for their pitching staff.
Defensively, the Cubs' efficiency has also come under scrutiny. They are situated in the bottom third for defensive runs saved and are nearly at the bottom in total zone runs. This defensive lapse contributes to a below-average overall performance, making it evident that improvements are needed on both sides of the ball.
The Cubs' season has been a tale of two halves thus far. They started the year on a high note, compiling a 17-9 record, which injected hopes of a competitive campaign. Yet, since that early surge, the team has seen a stark decline with a 20-35 record and a -58 run differential. This slump has anchored them in last place within their division with a 37-44 record.
As the Cubs look to avoid the sweep and realign their season, there's an urgent need for coherent team performance. Key players like Assad, once he returns, Steele, and Taillon must continue to deliver, but they cannot do it alone. Offensive and defensive strides are crucial for the Cubs to climb out of their current predicament and make a substantial impact in the season's second half.