Cubs Improve to 3-1 Despite Bullpen Meltdown

Chicago Cubs lefthander Jon Lester pitched five innings of no hit ball vs. the Reds in Cincinnati on July 27th and the Cubs had a 7-0 lead when manager David Ross went to his bullpen in the sixth inning. Things got dramatic after that. The Cubs used seven relief pitchers over the final four innings and held on to beat the Reds 8-7.

Five of the relievers allowed at least one run. Jeremy Jeffress allowed no runs or hits in 2/3 of an inning to pick up a save. Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel made his 2020 debut and couldn’t find the plate. He faced six hitters and retired one, walking the bases full and hitting a batter to force in a run before being taken out. His line was two earned runs, four walks, and one HBP; on the positive side, he allowed no hits.

Kimbrel was one of the elite closers in the game, but after signing a three year $43 million contract with the Cubs last June, he has struggled to say the least. In 2019, he saved 13 of 16 opportunities, but was 0-4 with a 6.53 ERA. With a short 60 game season, Kimbrel might not have many more opportunities to round into form; Jeffress, who has been in the closer’s role with the Brewers in the recent past, may be asked to step in. In general, however, the rest of the bullpen will also have to step up.