Despite a strong offensive showing, the Cubs suffered a tough loss to the San Francisco Giants due to another blown save by Héctor Neris.
Neris has struggled this season with a 4.73 ERA and a walk rate of 16.5 percent. His strikeout rate has also dropped to 19.8 percent, significantly lower than his previous career low of 26.2 percent.
Manager Craig Counsell remains committed to Neris despite his inconsistent performances, citing limited options in the bullpen as a major factor.
With this loss, the Cubs have fallen to a season-low of five games under .500. While alternatives like Tyson Miller and Mark Leiter Jr. are available, the bullpen’s current structure forces Counsell to rely on Neris.
The Cubs must reconsider their bullpen strategy and potential lineup changes to enhance their performance and prevent further losses.
Although the Cubs’ offense showed promise, ongoing bullpen issues underscore the critical need for strategic adjustments to secure victories and avoid additional setbacks.
