The Chicago Cubs' return to action after the All-Star break was a disappointing one, as they fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-2 in a listless performance. The team's offense failed to ignite, and their ace pitcher Justin Steele had an uncharacteristically poor outing, setting the tone for a game that was not as close as the final score might suggest.
A Missed Opportunity to Gain Ground
Defensive Miscues and Offensive Woes
The Cubs' struggles began early, as they appeared to be caught off guard by the resumption of play. A defensive miscue contributed to their downfall, and the team found themselves in a five-run deficit before their offense showed any signs of life. This was a far cry from the team's performance before the break, where they had managed a successful road trip that had raised hopes of a potential resurgence.
A Tough Road Ahead
The loss has left the Cubs with a record of 47-52, and they now find themselves in a precarious position. Even if they manage to win six out of every ten games from here on out, that would likely only result in a win total of around 83 or 84, which may not be enough to secure a playoff spot. This realization is a sobering one for a team that many had hoped would be a juggernaut, only to be held back by injuries and underperformance.
The Importance of a Great Stretch
As the season progresses, the Cubs will face teams that are not particularly interested in playing competitive baseball, as well as those that may be looking to trade off significant team members. Additionally, the Cubs have one of the weakest remaining schedules of any team, which could present an opportunity to make a late-season push. However, the team will need to put together a great stretch of games, rather than just a good one, if they hope to turn their season around.
Exploring Trade Possibilities
The Cubs' front office may need to consider entertaining trade offers for some of their players, particularly those with expiring contracts or who have been part of the team's underachievement. This could be a difficult decision, but it may be necessary to position the team for a stronger future.
A Disappointing Start to the Second Half
The loss to the Diamondbacks was a particularly disappointing way to start the second half of the season, especially with Steele on the mound. The ace pitcher had one of his worst outings in recent memory, and the offense was unable to provide the necessary support. Even as the game started to get closer, a couple of questionable strike calls stifled the Cubs' comeback efforts.
Positives to Build On
Despite the overall disappointment, there were a few bright spots for the Cubs in this game. Nico Hoerner had a strong performance, recording three hits, including a double, and scoring one of the team's two runs. Rookie pitcher Jesus Tinoco also made a positive impression in his Cubs debut, needing only six batters to get through two scoreless innings. Additionally, Michael Busch contributed with a double and a walk, scoring a run.As the Cubs look to rebound from this setback, they will need to find a way to recapture the momentum they had built before the break. With a challenging schedule ahead and the need for a great stretch of games, the team's front office may need to make some difficult decisions in the coming weeks. However, if they can build on the positive performances from players like Hoerner, Tinoco, and Busch, there may still be hope for the Cubs to turn their season around and make a late push for the playoffs.
