The Chicago Cubs' bullpen struck again Tuesday night, continuing their recent trend of late-game collapses. The Cubs took a 2-1 lead into the ninth inning in the first game of a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays, only to see their hopes dashed by nominal closer Hector Neris. Neris surrendered a three-run walk-off home run to Brandon Lowe, resulting in a 5-2 loss for the Cubs (TB 5, CHC 2).
The Bullpen's Struggles
Chicago's bullpen has been a major concern, ranking 25th in ERA (4.47), 26th in WHIP (1.37), 22nd in strikeout-to-walk rate (2.23), and 27th in win probability added (-0.66) this season. During the Cubs' dismal 5-13 stretch over the last 18 games, the bullpen's failures have been glaring. The Cubs have lost three games despite leading in the sixth inning or later, and another game that was tied in the seventh inning. If the bullpen had held those leads, the Cubs could be looking at a frustrating 8-10 stretch rather than a disastrous 5-13 run.
Hector Neris: A Mixed Bag
Hector Neris, who was signed to a one-year deal worth $9 million over the winter, entered Tuesday's game with a respectable 2.63 ERA. However, Neris had walked 17 batters, nearly as many as he had struck out (22). Performance estimators indicate there’s some smoke and mirrors in his stats, with a 4.11 ERA and 4.75 xERA. Neris is 9 for 12 in save chances, but his recent struggles highlight the bullpen's broader issues.
Offense Not Helping the Cause
It's not just the bullpen that's faltering; the Cubs' offense has been inconsistent as well. The team managed just two runs on Tuesday night and has been averaging only 3.89 runs per game during their recent 5-13 stretch. A more prolific offense could relieve some pressure off the relievers by providing larger leads. Instead, the Cubs seem to have no margin for error each night, making every game a tightrope walk.
Still in the Wild-Card Race
Despite the shaky bullpen, inconsistent offense, and a 5-13 record in the last 18 games, there is a silver lining: the Cubs are only one game out of a wild-card spot. Mediocrity is widespread in the National League, and there is still plenty of time to turn things around. Tuesday’s loss dropped Chicago to 32-35 on the season, while the Rays improved to an identical 32-35.
Upcoming Challenges
The Cubs' schedule doesn’t get any easier as they continue their series with the Rays. Matchups with several strong teams are coming in the next few weeks. If Chicago hopes to stay in the wild-card race, improvements need to come quickly in both bullpen performance and offensive output. Fans are growing impatient, and the margin for error is shrinking. The Cubs are at a critical juncture, and the bullpen's struggles have highlighted a larger issue that extends to the entire team's performance.
Can They Turn It Around?
There is still time for a turnaround, but whether the Cubs can seize the moment remains to be seen. The bullpen has been a weak link, dragging down a team that shows flashes of potential in other areas. Addressing these bullpen issues and getting more consistent offensive production will be key if the Cubs hope to make a serious playoff push. For now, every game is a test, and the Cubs must rise to the challenge to keep their postseason aspirations alive.