The Chicago Cubs are grappling with inconsistencies in their pitching staff as they strive to secure a playoff spot. Kevin Gausman’s tenure with the Cubs has shown contrasting performances. At moments, he justifies his acquisition to strengthen the rotation, but in other instances, like the game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday, his struggles are evident.

During this match, the Brewers tallied seven runs (six earned) against Gausman, plunging the Cubs into an early six-run hole. Although the team rallied with a five-run burst in the ninth inning, they ultimately succumbed 8-6, resulting in a sweep by the Brewers.

We’re not playing good enough, manager Craig Counsell commented. There are several areas where we need improvement. We had a defensive mistake cost us a run, and some bullpen issues persisted. We must unite and make necessary adjustments to win games.

Gausman’s stint with the Cubs shows mixed results. In three out of seven starts, he allowed five or more earned runs, and in another three outings, he delivered quality starts. Christian Yelich significantly impacted the game with a three-run homer off Gausman, while Jackson Chourio and William Contreras homered in the second inning.

The Cubs, bearing an 81-66 record and a four-game losing streak, approach Thursday’s off day aiming for a strategic recovery. Their grip on a playoff berth is weakening.

Cubs’ Playoff Challenges Increase

Last month, the Cubs appeared set to clinch a postseason position. On Aug. 12, they had a substantial lead for a playoff spot, but recent losses, including getting swept by the Brewers, tighten their playoff pursuit. With just a 1.5-game lead over the Phillies and a slim 2.5-game edge on the Padres, the Cubs face rising pressure.

Despite capturing the season tiebreaker against the Phillies, Padres, and Diamondbacks, the Cubs have lost 16 of their last 26 games.

Our focus is on winning games, said Counsell. That’s our control. Standings don’t dictate our decisions during games. We’re aware of standings, but they don’t guide us.

With the regular season winding down to 15 games, the Cubs must avoid slipping during this challenging stretch. Ian Happ emphasized their opportunity to control their fate in the playoff race. We aim to play playoff baseball and must seize this chance in the upcoming weeks, Happ stated.

Urgency for Bullpen Stability

The Cubs need urgent consistency from their bullpen. Issues have emerged regardless of Counsell’s bullpen choices. Jacob Webb’s performance decline, Daniel Palencia’s reduced velocity, and Ryan Zeferjahn’s inconsistency compound these difficulties, mirrored by the bullpen’s 5.08 ERA ranking 24th in MLB.

Every day feels the same, commented Counsell. Roles haven’t been established, and Jacob had earned his role through exceptional performance, handling major outs effectively.

Unfortunately, the Cubs encountered challenges deciding when to extend starter Matthew Boyd into deeper innings or decide bullpen innings during David Peterson’s games. Both paths ended in bullpen setbacks.

Home Run Dilemma for Cubs

The Cubs lead in home runs with 203 but have also allowed the most homers with 221 this season. Gausman’s performance increased this tally with three additional home runs allowed on Wednesday.

Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations, remarked on the challenge that home run struggles present. We’ve been hitting plenty of homers, but likewise, allowed too many. It’s an area requiring attention this year and moving forward, Hoyer noted.

Despite possessing a rotation conducive to groundouts, an elite defense is hindered by long balls. Gausman expressed trust in the team’s potential despite challenges. We remain confident in this group and lack time for dwelling negatively, he reassured.