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The Chicago Cubs had a day off to rest and try and figure out what’s gone wrong with this team. The offense has gone quiet, and there are many reasons why.
As the Chicago Cubs sat and watched the Milwaukee Brewers sweep them on their home field, Kyle Schwarber got a chance to see it too. Other than his pinch-hit home run, Schwarber only saw the field in mop up duty behind the plate. Joe Maddon placed it mostly on matchups, as Schwarber has struggled against lefties. And Schwarber took it in stride. But with just three runs over the weekend, we might need not to worry about the matchups so much and try to win games.
Willson Contreras was the hottest hitter on the Cubs team before getting hurt. He’s back, but it might be another week before we see him back to full-strength for the Cubs as they ease him in slowly. His bat returning to the lineup will be critical for this team is they plan to hold on to the slim lead they have in the division. Expecting Contreras to come back and hit as well as he did before is unfair, but whatever he brings will be a step up for the Cubs after scoring three runs over the weekend.
After the display this chances, the Cubs saw their playoff odds dip, with the Cardinals getting a shot in the arm. Going into the weekend, Fangraphs had the Cubs’ odds at almost 90 percent. Following the debacle that was this weekend, it’s down to just 76. The Cardinals saw theirs come up to 16.2 and the Brewers to 7.8. The Cubs have seen this fluctuate all year, and to be honest, they don’t care about it. But seeing it drop this late in the season is a concern, especially for the fans.
These and other stories you might have missed:
‘Schwarber rides the pine as he watches lead narrow’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Can Contreras save the Cubs’ offense?’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Cubs’ playoff odd take a hit following sweep’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Where are they now? Vol. 4’ – Cubbies Crib
‘Indians win 19th straight game’ – MLB.com
#Cubs on Twitter
The #Cubs lead of all baseball with 308 runs scored in the 2nd half, and we just got Willy back. Everyone relax. This team is very good
— Sean Sears (@seanrsears) September 11, 2017
Best records since all-star break
— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) September 11, 2017
40-16 (.714) #Indians
36-19 (.655) #Nationals
34-21 (.618) #Cubs
31-22 (.585) #Dodgers
32-23 (.582) #Cards
Wellcome back Willson. Maybe your bat will be the one to yell "WAKE THE HELL UP". #Cubs #FlyTheW pic.twitter.com/JjPymmULti
— Tim Souers (@CubbyBlueDotCom) September 11, 2017
Next: Duensing deserves chance as setup man
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