National League Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski hadn't allowed more than three earned runs in a start all season prior to Wednesday night, where the Chicago Cubs were able to get five runs off of him in only four innings. With this offensive showing you might think that the Cubs were able to come away with the win, but in what's been the case far too often, Chicago's pitching never really gave them a chance to win this game.
After two innings, the Cubs had a 5-3 lead off the back of Alex Bregman, who had a home run and four RBIs off of Misiorowski. Chicago's starting pitcher David Peterson would go on to give up three more runs and give the Brewers the lead that they would hold on to and grow until the end of the game. Peterson, for what he was expected to do upon arriving in Chicago, has exceeded expectations, but this outing still highlights the Cubs overall starting pitching problem, which is somehow still not as bad as the bullpen problem.
A miracle may be the only thing saving the Cubs bullpen at this point
There was once a point in the season where Chicago had several hopeful relief options. As it stands on September 3rd, there may not even be one that they can trust. This problem cannot persist into October if the Cubs wish to have a chance in the postseason. Daniel Palencia is a shell of his former self for one reason or another. Jacob Webb, while generally being solid this season, has had his issues as of late and has now injured his forearm. Ryan Zeferjahn has not been the same guy that he was with the Angels. Caleb Thielbar's age is showing. Craig Counsell is managing an impossible situation.
Who can save the Cubs bullpen in October?
Ben Brown has been ruled out for the season. Justin Steele, even if he manages to come back, should not have to save this bullpen after nearly two seasons on the IL. As it stands, Javier Assad, Shelby Miller, and Edward Cabrera may be the Cubs best chances to help the bullpen come October. We already know how Assad can help. He's shown it throughout the season and has the ability to come out of a long relief role. Miller and Cabrera are a little more complicated.
Miller has been out all season, but has been rehabbing in Triple-A Iowa. While he hasn't been perfect, he's shown the ability to miss bats, something the Cubs bullpen has largely struggled with. Cabrera, if healthy, probably has the highest ceiling out of these guys, but he also probably has the lowest floor. One of these guys will likely have to perform far and above expectations if the Cubs wish to do well in the playoffs.
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