Three Up
1. Justin Steele’s Dominance
Justin Steele has been a revelation for the Cubs this season. With an 11-6 record and a 3.25 ERA, Steele continues to impress on the mound. His ability to miss bats and limit walks has made him a cornerstone of the Cubs’ rotation. In his latest outing, Steele struck out eight over seven innings, showcasing his high-velocity fastball and sharp breaking pitches.
2. Nico Hoerner’s Hot Streak
Nico Hoerner has been on fire at the plate, raising his average to .290. His consistent hitting and speed on the base paths have been instrumental for the Cubs. Over the past week, Hoerner has hit .350 with a home run and five RBIs, providing a spark at the top of the lineup.
3. Cody Bellinger’s Power Surge
Cody Bellinger has found his power stroke, hitting three home runs in his last five games. With a .260 average and 25 home runs on the season, Bellinger’s resurgence has been a significant boost for the Cubs’ offense. His ability to change the game with one swing has been a key factor in the Cubs’ recent success.
Three Down
1. Kyle Hendricks’ Struggles
Kyle Hendricks has hit a rough patch, struggling with consistency. His ERA has ballooned to 4.20, and he has had trouble locating his pitches. In his last start, Hendricks gave up five runs in just four innings, raising concerns about his effectiveness moving forward.
2. Bullpen Inconsistencies
The Cubs’ bullpen has been shaky, with several relievers struggling to hold leads. Late-inning collapses have become a recurring issue, putting additional pressure on the starting rotation and the offense.
3. Injuries Piling Up
The injury bug has hit the Cubs hard, with key players missing time. The absence of top contributors has forced the team to rely on depth, which has been tested significantly. The team will need to stay healthy to maintain their playoff push.