Chicago Cubs News: Butler dazzles in debut; Finding the heartbeat

The Chicago Cubs Eddie Butler was magnificent in his debut, holding a potent Cardinals offense to just two hits over six shutout innings.

When the Chicago Cubs acquired Eddie Butler they knew the potential was there. Now before we go crazy here, he’s not the next Jake Arrieta—not yet at least. Butler allowed just two infield hits–both to Aledmys Diaz–while walking three and striking out five. Willson Contreras hit two solo home runs to pace the Cubs. An error by Contreras–which should have been on Anthony Rizzo–allowed the second run to score in the ninth. Wade Davis would close it out by striking out Matt Adams.

When the season started, Cubs’ fans were riding high. Defending champs. The balance of power had shifted within the NL Central. A new era had begun. And the Cubs came out flat. This isn’t going to be the case for the entire season, I can assure you of that. But who would have thought that we’d be chasing the Cardinals already? This is the weekend to get back on track and change the narrative.

“Don’t forget the heartbeat.” One of Joe Maddon‘s slogans entering the season. It’s been touch and go to start the year, and at times it near flatlined. So what is it the Cubs need to fix to get back to the team they were last year? Some of it is simply bad luck. But the offense needs to pick it up, and the defense needs to improve. The good news? The rotation seems to be already making strides.

Be sure to check out these and other stories you might have missed:

‘Butler dominant in Cubs 3-2 win over the Cards’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Roles have been reversed for the Cards, Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Putting a finger on the pulse of the Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs, Cards facing similar struggles this year’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Was demoting Grimm the right choice?’ – Cubbies Crib

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