Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Chicago Cubs struggling in the bullpen down the stretch?
The Cubs bullpen has posted a 4.81 ERA since August 11, ranking 22nd in MLB, and has blown five saves during that span. Relievers like Daniel Palencia, Ryan Zeferjahn, Caleb Thielbar, and Tyler Ferguson have all been allowing runs at a damaging rate.
What happened to the Cubs in Tuesday's 9-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers?
Four Cubs relievers allowed runs in the loss, with Palencia giving up a run via balk and then failing to execute a 0-2 pitch to Christian Yelich, who hit a go-ahead two-run home run. The defense also hurt the Cubs, as the Brewers' first two base runners in the sixth reached on infield hits.
How has Ryan Zeferjahn performed since the Cubs acquired him at the trade deadline?
Zeferjahn has been a disaster since joining the Cubs, allowing eight earned runs on nine hits, including two home runs, across just 10 innings pitched. The acquisition has been considered a significant disappointment.
What did Daniel Palencia do wrong against the Brewers on Tuesday?
Palencia committed a balk that scored Brice Turang from third, and then he couldn't get Christian Yelich out on an 0-2 pitch, surrendering a go-ahead two-run home run during a four-run sixth inning. He was credited with the loss after coming in to protect a 3-1 lead.
How have the Cubs fallen from the top Wild Card seed?
The Cubs had been sitting as the top seed in the Wild Card but have stumbled and dropped to the second slot with less than a month remaining in the regular season. The bullpen's collapse, highlighted by five blown saves since August 11, is the primary reason for the slide.
Aldo Soto
With a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University and a decade of Cubs reporting, my work has appeared on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and the Pinwheels and Ivy Podcast. I cover Cubs news and analysis for Sports Mockery, including roster moves, game breakdowns, and prospect development.
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