The Chicago Cubs still hold the best record in baseball at 47-24, but their lead in the National League Central is now just 9 games and they are currently on a four-game losing streak, which is the highest this season for the team.
At this time, the Cubs are a play or two short of winning and their reliable arms in the bullpen are beginning to thin out.
The starting pitchers continue to hold their own, with the exception of Jason Hammel’s last outing in which he snapped a string of 23 straight outings that the starting rotation had allow four or fewer runs.
The offense has started to dry up because of injuries, slumps and youth which makes it harder for Chicago to take a lead into the late innings and hand the ball to their closer.
Veteran catcher David Ross hit a tie-breaking home run in the eighth and in came Strop to shut the Marlins down. However, Strop struggled and the Cubs lost again.
Willson Contreras made his first start for the Cubs at first base and showed promise, but it could not overcome the poor relief help in the bullpen that allowed the tying and go ahead run in the bottom of the eighth.
Since Chicago was sitting at 39-15 as of June 4, injuries have given more opportunities to younger players. Along with that come inexperience and certain flaws that of recent have surfaced.
Lester said following another strong outing that some of the pieces are missing on the team at this time. He said everyone wanted to give the World Series to the team after May, but the season is long and health is a huge part of the success of any club in a 162-game season.
Contreras was playing first due to an injury to starter Anthony Rizzo. He made a great catch of a high throw from Javier Baez and a sweeping tag on the Marlins’ Chris Johnson.
However, Ross behind home plate had to signal many times to Contreras about where to play certain hitters and what to be on the lookout for in specific situations.
Ross said the team is going through a rough patch but those playing now must hold the fort until the starters can return from injury.
Cubs coaches are even going to have Contreras workout in the outfield if he does not catch on Friday. He told reporters he will be ready each day to play whatever positions the coaches want him to.
Cubs fans should not panic yet, there are still 91 games left to play and plenty of time for injuries to heal.
