Chicago Cubs: The bullpen has been solid; most of the time

Davis owns the ninth

Wade Davis was acquired via trade with the Kansas City Royals last off-season. To acquire the 31-year-old, the Cubs parted with Jorge Soler.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

Davis came to the Cubs with one year left on his contract and a track record of success. After transitioning to the bullpen full-time in 2014, Davis posted a 1.18 ERA in 185 appearances between 2014 and 2016. In addition to his strong ERA in that time frame, Davis allowed just three home runs in 182 2/3 innings pitched, while recording a WHIP of 0.89.

This season, the right-hander did not allow a run until May 24 when he yielded two. Since that date, however, Davis has recorded a 3.95 ERA.

Despite some struggles of late, Davis is turning in a good season. The three-time All-Star has appeared in 38 games for the Cubs and recorded 22 saves. In addition to that, Davis owns a 2.43 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.

Edwards is the king of holds

While Davis’ job is to lock down the ninth inning, Carl Edwards‘ job is to keep the Cubs ahead until the ninth. For that reason, the 25-year-old leads the team with 15 holds.

Edwards is in his second full season with the Cubs after appearing in 36 games last season. After posting solid numbers in 2016, Edwards has transformed into one of Joe Maddon‘s best options out of the pen. In 47 games this season, Edwards has recorded a 2.93 ERA, and 63 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched.

While Edwards has posted a solid ERA, he has had problems with walking too many batters. For that reason, Edwards is allowing 5.9 walks per nine innings, the highest mark of his career.