Chicago Cubs: Pirates versus Cubs series preview

3 of 6

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 26: Manager Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs looks on against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The Chicago Cubs are looking to end the first half of the season on a high note as they host the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend at Wrigley Field.

Talk to any Chicago Cubs fans and they will tell you 2017 is not going the way many would like. After dropping Thursday’s game against the Brewers, the Cubs fell to 42-43 on the season, 4 1/2 games out of first place.

Just as the Cubs are trying to gain traction this season, so are the Pirates. Currently, Pittsburgh sits seven games out of first place at 40-46. With a minus-33 run differential, one would think the Pirates would be further out of contention, but a weak National League Central has kept them in the race.

For these two division rivals, this series could prove to be a pivotal point in the season.

Let’s break down how each team has gotten to where they are now.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 28: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after striking out in the fifth inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 28, 2017 in Washington, DC. The Nationals won 8-4. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Where did the offense go?

For Cubs’ fans, that question has been asked many times. Last year, the Cubs scored 808 runs, good enough for third best in the league. This year, however, the Cubs are ranked in the middle of the pack, while ranking in the bottom five in team batting average.

More from Cubbies Crib

Part of the Cubs’ offensive struggles this season has been due to underperforming stars. Kris Bryant, for example, is currently slashing .261/.391/.502 and has an offensive WAR of 2.7. That is a far cry from the .292/.385/.554 slash line he put up in 2016 when he had an offensive WAR of 6.6.

Bryant is not the only Cub having a rough season. Addison Russell and Ben Zobrist are both hitting under .250 while Kyle Schwarber is batting .168.

Perhaps one of the only bright spots on offense has been the play of Jon Jay. Jay, in 167 at-bats, is slashing .305/.384/.407. That great performance has been like a shot in the arm for the Cubs’ offense, but it looks like more will be needed to push it over the top.

CHICAGO, IL – MAY 01: Starting pitcher Brett Anderson /

Injury-prone pitching staff

The Cubs had one of the best starting rotations in baseball last season. Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks both finished in the top five in Cy Young voting. In addition to that, Jake Arrieta posted a 3.10 ERA in 197 1/3 innings pitched. One of the keys to that success was the prolonged health of the starting staff. Four of the Cubs’ top five starters made at least 30 starts last season. This year has been a different story.

The injuries started in early May when Brett Anderson was placed on the DL. Anderson is yet to return from his DL stint, but is expected back post-All-Star break. The lefty was signed to a one-year deal last off-season to provide the Cubs with some pitching depth. In six starts before hitting the DL, Anderson posted an 8.18 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched.

About a month after Anderson was placed on the DL, right-hander Kyle Hendricks was also placed on the disabled list. The reason for the DL stint was right hand tendinitis. Hendricks’ injury did not seem to be serious. However, a set-back in his rehab further complicated the injury. Now, a return shortly after the All-Star break seems likely for Hendricks.

Prior to hitting the DL, Hendricks had been struggling. In 11 starts, the right-hander recorded a 4.09 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings pitched.

The most recent addition to the disabled list came on Thursday. John Lackey was placed on the DL due to plantar faciitis. Lackey, like the rest of the Cubs’ staff, has taken a step back in 2017. In 17 starts pre-DL, Lackey posted a 5.20 ERA in 98 2/3 innings pitched.

Limping into the series

Over the last nine games, the Cubs are 3-6, having been outscored in that stretch 50-33.

Solid starting pitching, bullpen have carried the Pirates

The Pirates, who are in the cellar of the NL Central, have not fared well offensively this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom half of the league in runs scored, team batting average, OBP and slugging percentage. For that reason, the Pirates have had to rely on solid starting pitching and a good bullpen to stay afloat.

With Gerrit Cole sporting an ERA north of 4.00 thus far, Ivan Nova has assumed the role of ace. In 17 starts, Nova has recorded a 3.24 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 114 innings pitched.

Along with Nova, Jameson Taillon is posting solid numbers. In 11 starts, Taillon is 5-2 with 2.73 ERA in 62 2/3 innings pitched.

Thus far, the Pirates’ bullpen has been solid, particularly Felipe Rivero and Juan Nicasio. In 43 appearances, Rivero owns a 0.78 ERA. To go with that, Rivero has struck out 54 batters and yielded just 22 hits in 46 innings pitched. Tied with Rivero at 14 holds is Juan Nicasio. Nicasio has appeared in 42 games, and posted a 2.54 ERA. Both Rivero and Nicasio have helped solidify the Pirates’ bullpen this season.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 05: Josh Harrison /

Poor offense has led to a poor record

Much like the Cubs, the Pirates have not been able to get their bats going. As stated above, the Pirates have had one of the worst offenses in baseball this season.

Josh Bell, who is playing in his first full season at the major league level, is finding it hard to have success. In 85 games, Bell is slashing .229/.314/.465. Even though he does have 16 home runs, Bell has struck out 63 times in 288 at-bats.

Bell is not the only Pirate that has fallen on tough times this season. Francisco Cervelli and John Jaso are hitting .241 and .249 respectively, while Gregory Polanco owns just a .316 OBP.

Even with their struggles, there is still a bright spot for the Pirates’ offense. Andrew McCutchen is slashing .289/.375/.520 with 16 home runs and 49 RBI in 83 games. Those solid numbers currently put McCutchen at the top of the Pirates’ leaderboard in batting average, hits, home runs, RBI and OBP.

Playing a supporting role to McCutchen has been Josh Harrison. Harrison is slashing .279/.358/.429 with nine home runs and 27 RBI. Despite though good numbers, Harrison currently has a 1.9 offensive WAR, while McCutchen owns a 2.3 oWAR.

Good pitching match-ups on tap for this series

Friday – Eddie Butler (4-3, 4.18 ERA) and Trevor Williams (3-3, 4.67 ERA).

Butler has filled in nicely for Brett Anderson, but needs to cut down on his walks (24 in 47 1/3 innings pitched). Williams has just 84 major league innings under his belt, with the majority of them coming this season. In 11 starts (17 total appearances), Williams has struck out 51 batters in 71 1/3 innings pitched.

Saturday – Jake Arrieta (8-6, 4.33 ERA) and Ivan Nova (8-6, 3.24 ERA).

Ivan Nova has been solid this season as he is allowing just 1.1 walks per nine innings. However, Nova has issued 114 hits in as many innings, pushing his WHIP to 1.12. Jake Arrieta has not been the same pitcher that he was the last two seasons. Arrieta is allowing 8.6 hits per nine innings this season, in addition to having already given up 13 home runs. The 31-year-old has posted a higher strikeout rate this season compared to last.

Sunday – Jon Lester (5-5, 3.94 ERA) and Jameson Taillon (5-2, 2.73 ERA).

Next: Chicago Cubs: Better options loom over Justin Verlander

Jon Lester is currently the best starting pitcher for the Cubs. The lefty owns a 1.27 WHIP and 3.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Lester has also recorded 110 strikeouts in 107 1/3 innings pitched. In 11 starts, Taillon has been the ace of the Pirates’ staff. In 62 2/3 innings, Taillon has struck out 59 batters and walked 22. The 25-year-old also has an ERA+ of 160.

Start times

Friday’s game will start at 1:20 p.m. CT. Saturday’s game will start at 6:15 p.m. CT and Sunday’s game will start at 12:10 p.m. CT.

Home / Chicago Cubs News