Chicago Cubs: Will the real Brian Duensing please stand up?

Chicago Cubs: From beginning until the end

If you look at Duensing’s start to the regular season, he pitched exceptionally well in his appearances. Through March and April, Duensing tossed 8 1/3 innings without allowing a single run and allowing just five total hits.

The month of May saw a minor setback Duensing’s production. However, his 3.86 ERA still rang fair to Midland. Unfortunately, this is where the walks started to become problematic, as he walked seven of the forty batters faced while striking out just five.

June and July have flat out been horrendous for Duensing. He posted a 17.28 ERA in just 8 1/3 innings in June while allowing opponents a .480 wOBA and a .400 batting average. July saw no reprieve as Duensing pitched only 5 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs and a .353 wOBA. The strange thing for this span is that Duensing permitted hitters just a .158 batting average.

Somehow, it has gotten worse for Duensing. Thus far in the second half, he has pitched just four innings to the tune of an 11.25 ERA. During this time he has given up two home runs and allowed a .390 wOBA. Hitters are slugging .600 against Duensing as well. Nothing more to say than stinky.