Chicago Cubs: Examining the back end of the starting rotation

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Of course the Chicago Cubs wish that they could rely on all five of their starters to produce quality starts on a consistent basis. However, that just isn’t the reality of the situation right now. The Cubs are solid through their first three starters, but their fourth and fifth starters have been hit or miss in their starts with the Cubs this season.

The beauty of the Sept. 1 roster expansion was it gave the Chicago Cubs options moving forward. This club has at least three decent options that could fill a starting rotation spot if the opportunity presents itself. For now, the Cubs need to roll with Hendricks and Haren unless either player continues to struggle or gets hurt.

There is some degree of risk to every player mentioned in this slideshow. The Cubs will likely roll with Hendricks and Haren until they prove entirely incapable or an injury ends their season. If one of these circumstances plays out, expect former starter Tsuyoshi Wada to fill out the back-end of the rotation. Travis Wood and Clayton Richard will likely stay in the bullpen although they are half way decent emergency options if it comes to that type of situation.

The Cubs need to shore up the back-end of their starting rotation if they expect to make the playoffs and make a run once they are there. Who will step up?

All stats include performances as starters with the Chicago Cubs this season unless otherwise noted. 

Next: Potential postseason match-ups for the Cubs