Craig Counsell and Will Venable both faced challenging bullpen performances on Saturday. Counsell’s Chicago Cubs couldn’t hold a late 5-0 lead, losing 8-6 to the Toronto Blue Jays. Similarly, Venable’s Chicago White Sox bullpen struggled, leading to a 4-1 defeat by the Detroit Tigers on a day set for bullpen reliance due to lack of a fifth starter. The following day wasn’t any better for the Sox; they blew leads in the ninth and 10th innings, culminating in a 5-4 loss and a sweep in Detroit, finishing 1-5 on their road trip.
Reliance on bullpens is common among baseball managers. On average, teams use 4.23 pitchers per game, a figure that has stayed above 4.11 since 2015. The trend shows no signs of reversing, with lower pitch counts for starters and increasing velocity among relievers.
Criticism is often aimed at managers for their bullpen decisions when things go awry. Counsell, once praised in Milwaukee for his effective bullpen management with reliable closers like Josh Hader and Devin Williams, now faces questions about leaving pitchers in too long.
While Venable received less criticism due to the Sox’s prior poor performance, expectations have risen as the team contends for the division. With an important series against the Cleveland Guardians at Rate Field, Venable’s strategies face more scrutiny.
Both Cubs and Sox bullpens have struggled with consistency during the 2026 season’s first three months. The Cubs bullpen ranks 12th in the majors with a 3.82 ERA. However, performance has declined since June, with a 4.94 ERA and five blown saves in six opportunities. The absence of closer Daniel Palencia has impacted performance, evidenced by Trent Thornton, Caleb Thielbar, and Jacob Webb’s collapses, giving up eight runs in 1 2/3 innings.
Cubs relievers rank last with 23 holds, while the Sox rank second-to-last with 24. Cubs President Jed Hoyer revamped the bullpen this offseason, parting with effective reliever Brad Keller, who signed with the Phillies for two years at $22 million. Palencia was expected to dominate but has been restricted by an oblique injury and flexor strain, limiting his appearances to 19.
Key additions like Phil Maton on a two-year, $14 million deal haven’t met expectations, following last year’s failed signing of Ryan Pressly. Injury-prone Hunter Harvey faced early setbacks, and Jacob Webb’s recent performances have been shaky.
“Every season throws stuff at you, and you just got to roll with it,” Counsell commented after Saturday’s loss. “That’s how it’s going to be.”
The Cubs’ finale against the Blue Jays was postponed, rescheduled for Aug. 6. The team faces the Mets next, followed by a crucial series in Milwaukee.
Sox relievers posted an 18th-best 4.26 ERA. Venable frequently used an opener, impacting bullpen stats as part-time “bulk” pitchers like Erick Fedde and since-demoted David Sandlin are included. The bullpen performed better at home (3.48 ERA) than on the road (5.21 ERA). After the 2025 season, GM Chris Getz reshaped the bullpen, signing Seranthony Domínguez on a two-year, $20 million deal and acquiring Jordan Hicks from Boston.
Domínguez has secured 12 saves but struggles with control, having allowed five home runs in 26 games. Hicks returned from a right lat strain and is expected to contribute, with Tyler Davis sent to Triple-A.
Grant Taylor, Bryan Hudson, Domínguez, and Sean Newcomb have all shown effectiveness, though finding the right spots for Taylor remains a challenge. Newcomb could start if needed, although Noah Schultz’s anticipated return is likely to fill the rotation gap.
Venable’s use of openers has shown mixed results, with Fedde adapting well despite initial disruption of routines. In seven of his 15 appearances, he followed an opener. Fedde remains adaptable, saying, “I try not to think too much about it.”
If Venable continues using openers, monitoring its impact on the Sox’s performance will be crucial.
Managing in Chicago requires resilience, as Counsell knows well.