Chicago Cubs: Willson Contreras notices “letup” in Yu Darvish

When asked what he saw in Chicago Cubs’ pitcher Yu Darvish, catcher Willson Contreras didn’t hold anything back in his postgame.

When you talk to Chicago Cubs‘ catcher Willson Contreras, you can’t help but notice his love for the game. Also, when things aren’t going right? That’s when you can pick up on the other part of his game. In this case, frustration. Something that most Cubs’ fans were feeling a little more strongly yesterday.

For the $126 million man, there are plenty of excuses for his “missteps” in his starts. But for Contreras, he’s out there every game with him. This is the first time that Contreras has said anything publicly about Darvish, but it might not be the last. When a second-year catcher has an issue with how it was handled? Houston, we have a problem.

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Uh-oh…

Once the 2-0 lead became a 5-2 deficit? Contreras felt he needed to air his grievance.

"“I think he looked like he got too comfortable once he got two outs,” He walked [Mike Tauchman with one out], and then the fake bunt [by Anderson] I think messed around with Darvish in his head,” It looks like he got too comfortable when he got the second out. In the big leagues no matter how many outs there are you have to keep attacking the hitters."

The thing is, it’s not a “new concept.” It’s something that has followed him from Texas. “Same as I’ve seen before,” the scout said. “Great stuff. But gets in trouble when something starts to go wrong.”

In the last two games, something did go wrong. First, it was a balk. Then against the Rockies, it was a walk to the pitcher. It’s always something small, but it has lead to more significant issues. And it’s something that Darvish knows he needs to address.

Next: Darvish gets rattled again as Cubs lose

"“It’s something that I have to overcome,” It’s definitely my problem, something that I have to work on.”"

Just as Jon Lester struggled in his first few games as a starter in Chicago, Darvish is doing the same. And while it worked out for Lester, we have to expect it will work out for Darvish, too. But don’t think that Contreras won’t stick with him. Especially in the fifth inning.

"“But in the fifth was crucial for us,” Contreras said. “He got us [f#@] up.”"

Editor’s Note: Sunday afternoon, Willson Contreras reached out to Cubbies Crib and denied saying “he got us f#@ up” to the Athletic. We’ll have more to follow on this story.