Since May 14, the Chicago Cubs bullpen has become the most dominant unit in Major League Baseball. Over their last 24 games, Cubs relievers have allowed just eight earned runs across 87.2 innings, posting a stunning league-best 0.82 ERA during that stretch.
Despite a forgettable outing against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, the NL Central conversation has mostly been centered around Chicago. At 41-27, the Cubs sit atop the division with the St. Louis Cardinals five games behind.
This run of success has come at a time when the starting rotation has been fractured by injuries. Most notably, Cubs ace Shota Imanaga has been sidelined with a hamstring strain since early May.
In his absence, fill-ins like Cade Horton, Ben Brown, and Colin Rea have stepped in admirably, but with each posting ERAs north of 5.00. Imanaga’s return, though still running its course, will be crucial.
Going into Wednesday, the Cubs bullpen was rolling. But Philadelphia surprisingly continued to break out of its offensive rut, kicking off the game with three runs on three base hits against Brown. From there, Chicago could never catch up, resulting in the 7-2 loss.
The Cubs have a chance to bounce back, as they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday for the start of a four-game weekend series.
Shota Imanaga Set For Rehab Start
Imanaga made his first rehab appearance this week in the Arizona Complex League, striking out four across two innings and throwing a total of 40 pitches, including a follow-up bullpen session.
He is scheduled to pitch again this Saturday in Arizona, per The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma. If all goes well, he’ll likely make a start for Triple-A Iowa before the Cubs consider activating him.
The elongated absence is nothing the Cubs can’t handle. The bullpen has made sure of that. But Imanaga’s close return is the most important subplot currently unfolding at Wrigley Field.
The All-Star lefty posted a 2.82 ERA over his first eight starts.
Having him back in the rotation will give the front office ample time to evaluate options leading up to July 31.
Cubs Expected To Be Aggressive At Trade Deadline
Meanwhile, the Cubs’ front office continues to explore rotation upgrades ahead of the trade deadline. If Imanaga returns to form, the Cubs may cruise in the NL Central for the second half of the season.
There is still work to be done. The offense has had rough stretches, and the starter depth remains a question.
For now, the Cubs are strong. The bullpen has sparked confusion and frustration for division rivals. And soon, there could be more fuel added to the fire.
