The Chicago Cubs find themselves at a pivotal juncture as they prepare to face the San Francisco Giants Thursday afternoon, striving to avoid a demoralizing four-game sweep. Their current situation is further complicated by the recent addition of pitcher Javier Assad to the injured list due to a forearm extensor strain. With Assad's contributions significantly impacting the team’s performance, this development casts a shadow over an already challenging season.
Assad's Impact and Injury
Javier Assad has been a standout player for the Cubs, boasting a team-high WAR of 2.2. His record this season includes a 4-3 win-loss tally with a commendable 3.04 ERA across 83 innings. Particularly notable was his performance in May, where he achieved an impressive 2.27 ERA. However, June has not been kind to Assad, as he posted a 0-2 record alongside a 5.49 ERA. Despite these recent struggles, his absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team.
Pitching Staff and Statistics
In Assad's stead, the Cubs will look to their other key pitchers. Shota Imanaga stands out with a near-flawless 0.84 ERA through nine starts, providing a beacon of hope amid an unstable season. Jameson Taillon’s 2.90 ERA and Justin Steele’s reliable 3.08 ERA over 11 starts also offer some stability. Additionally, Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks have made positive contributions in their respective outings.
Offensive Struggles and Team Rankings
Offensively, the Cubs have faced significant hurdles. They rank 11th in the National League in runs scored and 12th in batting average, reflecting their inconsistent performance at the plate. However, the team shows a glimmer of promise in their on-base percentage, where they rank 8th. Unfortunately, this has not translated into power hitting, as they find themselves 12th in slugging percentage.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the Cubs have not fared much better. The bullpen has been particularly problematic, with 22 losses and 17 blown saves this season. Their overall defensive efficiency is below average, and they rank in the bottom third in defensive runs saved, compounded by their near-bottom ranking in total zone runs. These defensive shortcomings have exacerbated the Cubs' struggles and have been a significant factor in their disappointing performance.
A Season Turned Sour
The Cubs’ season started with promise, boasting a strong 17-9 record in the opening weeks. However, that early surge has dramatically reversed. Since then, the team has managed only a 20-35 record, with a discouraging -58 run differential, dragging them down to a 37-44 overall record. This slide has anchored them in last place within their division, casting a pall over their once hopeful season.
As the Cubs face the Giants in the concluding game of their four-game series, the team must dig deep to avoid the sweep and rekindle the form that saw them start the season so strongly. With key players like Javier Assad sidelined and a series of underwhelming performances weighing them down, the Cubs must find a way to rally both their pitching and batting to stop the rot and turn their season around.