Chicago Cubs welcome struggling Miami Marlins to Wrigley Field

Heading into the Series: Chicago Cubs

Record: 16-15

Record (Last 10): 5-5

ERA: 3.45 – 4th in National League

OBP: .318 – 8th in National League

Team HR: 32 – 10th in National League

Team Leader – WAR: Javier Baez – 1.4 WAR (Fangraphs)

No matter which levers Joe Maddon pulls with the lineup card, this Chicago offense continues to struggle. In the last two weeks, the Cubs scored more than three runs once – in Saturday’s extra-inning loss to St. Louis.

On Sunday, both Kris Bryant and Javier Baez homered – and both continue to impress. Baez leads all National League hitters with 29 runs batted in. Bryant, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate an improved approach at the plate. He has struck out 20 times this year – but has drawn 15 walks.

The bullpen, namely Luke Farrell, has fallen on some tough times. The tall right-hander allowed walk-off blasts in both Saturday and Sunday’s losses. He now carries an unsightly 1.940 WHIP and 7.94 ERA in six appearances.

But, as mentioned, it all comes down to hitting. Despite constant shuffling and reordering, the bats continue to struggle. Sooner or later, you’d think this will change. But only time will tell.