The Chicago Cubs have been riding a wave of momentum, securing four wins out of their last five games, culminating in a solid four-game winning streak.
This recent surge has reinvigorated the team, bringing hope as they enter a crucial stretch of the season. However, despite the positive outcomes, not everything has been smooth sailing. As we dive into the latest performances, we’ll explore who has been stepping up and who has been struggling to keep pace.
Three Up
1. Cubs Catchers Stepping Up at the Plate
The Cubs’ catchers, Miguel Amaya and Christian Bethancourt, have quietly become a force to be reckoned with. Over the past five games, the duo combined to hit an impressive .316/.381/.632, going 6-for-19 with three doubles and a home run. This level of production from the catcher’s spot is a significant boost for the team, especially given the position’s often defensive focus.
Beyond their offensive contributions, Amaya and Bethancourt have shown improvement behind the plate, successfully throwing out two of four attempted base stealers. While the sample size is small, this marks an encouraging development in their defensive game. Neither catcher is expected to be a superstar, but their recent performances suggest they can be reliable contributors both offensively and defensively. If they continue on this trajectory, they could provide the Cubs with the stability they need at this crucial position.
2. Cubs Relievers Continue to Shine
The Cubs’ bullpen has been a beacon of consistency during this stretch. Over the five games, Cubs relievers combined for 16 innings, allowing just three runs for an outstanding 1.69 ERA, along with a WHIP of 0.938. They issued only two walks while striking out 19 batters, showcasing their ability to dominate opposing hitters.
Even in high-pressure situations, the bullpen has delivered. Hector Neris, despite some nerve-wracking moments against the White Sox, managed to secure a pair of saves and has now gone seven straight opportunities without blowing a save. The bullpen’s reliability has been a key factor in the Cubs’ recent success, and if they can maintain this level of performance, it will bode well for the team’s chances as they push toward the postseason.
3. Dansby Swanson Finds His Groove
Dansby Swanson’s recent performances have been a positive sign for the Cubs. He is currently riding a six-game hitting streak, during which he’s batting .409/.435/.500 with a triple, four runs scored, and only three strikeouts. Since July 10, Swanson has hit .330/.379/.426, contributing significantly to the Cubs’ offensive efforts.
Swanson’s season-long OPS of .659 is still below his career average, but his recent surge suggests he’s regaining his form. If he can continue to build on this momentum, it will be a significant boost for the Cubs as they approach the final stretch of the season. Swanson’s ability to get on base and drive in runs will be crucial as the team looks to sustain their winning ways.
Three Down
1. Javier Assad’s Struggles on the Mound
While Javier Assad’s overall numbers may not seem alarming, a deeper dive reveals some concerning trends. Over his last six starts, Assad has posted a 4.88 ERA and a 1.750 WHIP, with 15 walks and only 11 strikeouts in 24 innings. His FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) during this period is an unsightly 7.09, indicating that his recent performances have been far from ideal.
Assad’s inability to go deep into games has also been an issue, as he’s managed to pitch more than four innings just once in his last six outings. This has placed additional strain on the bullpen and raised questions about his role in the rotation moving forward. The Cubs appear to be addressing this by skipping Kyle Hendricks in the rotation, potentially setting up a scenario where Hendricks could piggyback Assad in his next start. It’s a situation that bears watching, as the Cubs will need more consistent performances from their starters to continue their winning ways.
2. Craig Counsell’s Reluctance to Use David Bote
David Bote’s lack of playing time has become a point of frustration. Despite his impressive .326/.356/.419 batting line over 43 at-bats, Bote has seen limited action, not even appearing as a pinch-hitter in the last five games. With Isaac Paredes performing well at third base, Bote’s opportunities have been few and far between.
It’s understandable that Bote’s role is limited, but his productive bat seems wasted on the bench. With his ability to contribute offensively, one would expect to see him get more chances to make an impact. Whether it’s as a pinch-hitter or in spot starts, finding a way to utilize Bote’s bat could provide the Cubs with an additional offensive spark as they continue their playoff push.
3. Nico Hoerner’s Inconsistent Play
Nico Hoerner’s recent performances have been a mixed bag. While he’s shown flashes of his potential, his consistency has been lacking. Over his last 54 games, Hoerner’s OPS has fluctuated between .660 and .690, a range that reflects mediocrity rather than the impact the Cubs need from him.
Hoerner’s struggles may be partly due to lingering effects from an earlier injury, as he’s missed a few games and served as a defensive replacement in others. If he’s still dealing with physical issues, it could explain his uneven play. Nevertheless, the Cubs will need Hoerner to step up and find a more consistent rhythm if they are to maximize their chances of success down the stretch.
Conclusion
The Cubs are riding high with a four-game winning streak and a 20-12 record since July 4, which ranks among the best in MLB. Their recent success has been fueled by strong performances from their catchers, bullpen, and a resurgent Dansby Swanson. However, challenges remain, particularly with Javier Assad’s struggles and the underutilization of David Bote. As the Cubs continue their push for the playoffs, maintaining momentum while addressing these issues will be crucial to their success. Keep up the good work, Cubs – the postseason is within reach!
