Chicago Cubs: Four players that need to rebound in 2019

 Chicago Cubs: Brian Duensing

When the Chicago Cubs got Brian Duensing in 2017, I don’t think they were prepared for the type of outings they would get from him. Since being moved to the bullpen after starting early in his career, Duensing had one of his most complete seasons.

The numbers were far from eye-popping. His walk and hits per/9 were on par with his career numbers. He did a better job keeping the ball in the ballpark (Just six HR allowed in 62 1/3 innings), an he wasn’t just a ‘Loogy’ (lefty one-out guy). But is ERA+ was a 161, the best in his career. His FIP was down to 3.41 from 4.27 the year before, and his 2.74 ERA was his best yet out of the bullpen. 2018 Duensing? Meh, not so much.

Duensing did battle some injuries that nagged him throughout the year, limiting him to 37 2/3 innings pitched. But the numbers were nothing like his first year in Chicago. He allowed the same amount of home runs in 25 fewer innings. His FIP ballooned to 6.35, while his strikeouts/walks fell to .83. Duensing was walking more, allowing more home runs, and his ERA of 2.74 swelled to a ridiculous 7.65. With Justin Wilson moved on to the New York Mets, he’s going to need to be the lefty that can get other lefties out. Without him? It could be a long season for the Cubs pen.