Cubs Bullpen Struggles as Braves Defeat Them in 10th Inning
ATLANTA — It was a moment of celebration for Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. as he hoisted second base into the air after becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve 40 homers and 70 steals in a single season. However, for Cubs rookie Daniel Palencia, it was another stressful moment as he watched the crowd roar in celebration. Unfortunately for Palencia and the Cubs, the celebration was short-lived as he gave up a walk-off single to Ozzie Albies in the 10th inning, resulting in a 6-5 loss and knocking Chicago out of the current postseason field.
The loss highlighted the struggles of the Cubs’ bullpen, which has been plagued by injuries and other issues throughout the season. With closer Adbert Alzolay and veteran Michael Fulmer both on the injured list, manager David Ross has been forced to make do with the limited options available to him. Mark Leiter Jr., who had not pitched in a week, was called in for a save opportunity but allowed a game-tying homer to Marcell Ozuna in the ninth inning.
“We’re not at full strength, for sure,” Ross said, acknowledging the challenges the team is facing.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer addressed the bullpen situation before Wednesday’s game, acknowledging that it was an aspect of the roster that could have been addressed more effectively in the offseason and at the trade deadline. Hoyer noted that there weren’t many available arms at the deadline and that building up bullpen depth and relying on player development would be crucial moving forward.
Despite the bullpen’s struggles, the Cubs have managed to stay in contention for a postseason spot. The bullpen showed promise earlier in the season, with a strong stretch from June to July when their 3.03 ERA ranked first in the league. However, injuries and other factors have since caused the bullpen to falter.
“We had a pretty good formula going for a long time. That formula is not there anymore. So you’ve got to find a new one,” Hoyer said.
Lefty Drew Smyly, who was moved from the rotation to the bullpen, has played a crucial role in the team’s success. He escaped a jam in the seventh inning of Wednesday’s game, keeping the Cubs’ lead intact. Jose Cuas, who was acquired at the trade deadline, also navigated through a tough situation in the ninth inning to force extra innings.
Despite the struggles, Cubs outfielder Ian Happ remains optimistic about the team’s chances. “We believe in the group,” he said. “We’ve got four games left to get this thing done.”
The Cubs will have to rely on their bullpen in the remaining games of the season as they aim to secure a playoff spot. If they do make it, the performance of the bullpen will be crucial in determining how far they can go in the postseason.
For now, the Cubs remain focused on the task at hand. Second baseman Nico Hoerner emphasized the team’s determination to give their all in the remaining games and control what they can control.
“I thought we brought it today,” Hoerner said. “Just like we’re going to bring it tomorrow and the next day, and trust that in the next four games, that plays out as best it can. That’s what we can control.”