Is it time to worry about the Chicago Cubs starting rotation?

Chicago Cubs: Darvish’s grace period is officially at and end

It really looked like we were seeing a corner being turned for Yu Darvish after his absolute masterpiece against the Dodgers a few weeks ago. His seven-inning, one run performance was as good as he had looked in a Cubs uniform. Then the recent homestand happened.

From May 9 through June 15, Darvish made eight starts and posted a 3.86 ERA with a .209 average against and 54 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings, a string of solid play, to be sure. His last two starts at Wrigley he gave up a total of nine runs in 11 innings including four homers. Darvish’s Wrigley Field ERA on the season is now 6.23 with 12 homers given up while is road ERA sits at 3.59 with hitters hitting under .200 against him.

Total numbers on the season: 4.98 ERA, 5.24 FIP, 1.36 WHIP and 4.9 BB/9 in 90 1/3 innings. That just needs to be better…a lot better. It is very frustrating because we see good flashes and his road numbers are pretty good.

The hard truth is this: it’s difficult to pitch well when you can’t succeed in your home ballpark. While the command seems to be a bit better than it was in the first month (still not great), Darvish’s biggest issue now is giving up the long ball at home. It has killed him his past two starts.

Note: Darvish’s last five road starts: 2.69 ERA, 18 hits against in 30 1/3 innings.