The Chicago Cubs bullpen struck once more Tuesday night time. The Cubs took a 2-1 lead into the ninth inning within the first recreation of a three-game collection with the Tampa Bay Rays, however nominal nearer Hector Neris melted down, and finally surrendered a three-run walk-off house run to Brandon Lowe (TB 5, CHC 2). Chicago has now misplaced 13 of its final 18 video games.
Right here is Lowe’s walk-off blast. The Cubs’ bullpen now ranks twenty fifth in ERA (4.47), twenty sixth in WHIP (1.37), twenty second in strikeout-to-walk fee (2.23), and twenty seventh in win likelihood added (-0.66) this season.
3 times throughout this 5-13 stretch the Cubs misplaced regardless of having the lead within the sixth inning or later, and on one different event they misplaced when the sport was tied within the seventh inning. If the bullpen makes these three leads get up, we’re speaking a few irritating 8-10 stretch slightly than a disastrous 5-13 span.
Neris, signed to a one-year deal value $9 million over the winter, went into Tuesday’s recreation with a 2.63 ERA, although he’d walked (17) almost as many batters as he struck out (22). The varied efficiency estimators point out there’s some smoke and mirrors right here: 4.11 ERA and 4.75 xERA. Neris is 9 for 12 in save possibilities.
To be clear, the bullpen shouldn’t be Chicago’s solely downside. They scored simply two runs Tuesday and so they’re averaging 3.89 runs per recreation throughout this 5-13 stretch. The offense may make life an entire lot simpler on these relievers by, , scoring extra runs. It feels just like the Cubs haven’t any margin for error each night time.
The excellent news is that, regardless of the shaky bullpen and inconsistent offense and 5-13 file within the final 18 video games, the Cubs are just one recreation out of a wild-card spot. Mediocrity is widespread within the Nationwide League and loads of time stays. Clearly although, the Cubs have issues that want fixing.
Tuesday’s loss dropped Chicago to 32-35 on the season. The Rays improved to an an identical 32-35.
