Chicago Cubs: Examining the back end of the starting rotation

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

If the Chicago Cubs want to make the playoffs and make some noise once they are there, they need the back-end of their starting pitching rotation to step up. Currently, Kyle Hendricks and Dan Haren occupy the fourth and fifth spot in the starting rotation. Both players have had their moments this season; however, a lack of consistency has called into question their role moving forward. The Cubs are fortunate to have other options on their roster that could potentially become part of the starting rotation if either Hendricks or Haren continue to struggle. 

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According to ESPN data, the Chicago Cubs collective pitching staff, which includes relievers as well as starters, ranked sixth in the MLB in ERA as of Sept. 9. This statistic is impressive; however, four National League teams that will likely make the playoffs have a better collective ERA than the Chicago Cubs.

If the Cubs want to continue to move up through the ranks of baseball’s finest pitching staffs, Hendricks and Haren (among others) need to perform better. If they don’t, other pitchers on the roster could get a chance to start.

Next: Dan Haren