Chicago Cubs: 5 questions demanding answers, and quickly

4. Will Cole Hamels acquisition pay off?

It has been pretty strange watching this Cubs rotation in 2018. Obviously, the struggles of Quintana and Darvish have already been mentioned. The Cubs acquired veteran pitcher and 4-time All Star Cole Hamels prior to the deadline in hopes he can help push this rotation back to where it belongs.

Tyler Chatwood was sent down to the bullpen after acquiring Hamels, which will probably suit he and the Cubs much better, overall, at least for the remainder of this season.

Prior to coming to the Cubs, Hamels had struggled mightily. By now, most of us know that he had given up an eye-popping 25 runs in his previous four starts before being traded to Chicago — in case you’re not counting, that’s awful.

Prior to July, Hamels’ ERA was sitting at 3.61, which is not a bad number by any means. Hamels is a guy the Cubs know can pitch up into triple digits, as he has done that eight times already this season. Hamels has that big game experience and, like Jon Lester, has pitched in a World Series — and pitched well. Back in 2008, Hamels won World Series MVP when his Philadelphia Phillies brought home the title.

Oddly enough, Hamels has pitched much better away from Arlington this season. It might sound funny, but maybe he has a better second half pitching in Chicago. His home/road splits were pretty telling, so fans can only hope he brings his A-game from here on out.