For the Chicago Cubs, the first time through their starting rotation in 2018 was one to forget. But nearing the end of their second time through the order, starting pitching has picked up.
The Chicago Cubs starters’ statistics were the bad kind of exaggerated that we only see early in the season. Starters had ERAs in the double digits, and occasionally some briefly had fewer strikeouts than home runs given up. Their most effective starter was their fifth man Tyler Chatwood, who allowed just one earned-run in six innings.
Despite getting a tough loss for his work, Chatwood’s dominance set an example that the other Cubs’ starters followed in the immediate subsequent games. After a couple of days off—one game postponed, one scheduled off day—Lester returned to the hill in Milwaukee and threw six shutout innings in an 8-0 Cubs’ win.
Hendricks cruised through four shutout innings the following day before his wheels fell off in the fifth and he gave up four earned runs. Quintana redeemed his rough first start with six shutout innings against the Brewers.
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The Cubs’ rotation looks like it’s finding its rhythm, but will they be good all season?
The preferred struggle
If Cubs’ fans have faith in two things in 2018, it’s their rotation and lineup. In both, they have a right mix of proven players and players ready to take the next step.
A position player like Ian Happ wants to whittle his way into the Cubs’ young core while Tyler Chatwood hopes he can rise to an elite ace now that he’s out of the incredibly hitter-friendly Coors Field.
But both the rotation and the lineup have All-Stars, Cy Young finalists, Silver Sluggers, Gold Glovers and an MVP. If the lineup or rotation struggle early, Cubs’ fans won’t need to panic. We know the lineup and rotation will be elite.
However, the bullpen got a makeover, and there are far more unfamiliar faces under the bleachers at Wrigley Field. Were it the bullpen struggling early, the fan base may be less forgiving.
Sustaining quality pitching
Cubs’ pitching has been on a nice stretch over the last few days. They allowed just seven runs in their four games in Milwaukee. But it’s much easier to be good for a weekend than it is to be great for a season.
But the Cubs’ rotation should be among the best in the National League. Their first four starters could all be the ace of several staffs throughout the league. And their fifth just might be on the cusp of a breakout season.
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The Chicago Cubs rotation is starting to get into midseason form, but only time will tell if they can maintain a high level through all 162 games.