Chicago Cubs: Grading the players on their first half performances

Chicago Cubs: The bullpen was a disaster to start the season, and hopefully reinforcements will help.

*NOTE: We will not touch on nearly everyone in this category*

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He has had ups and downs this season and has dealt with more injuries. In total, he has a 3.92 ERA and 4.12 FIP in 20 2/3 innings. Strop has looked like the Strop of old lately and should be fine.

Steve Cishek: A

Outside a few blown outings, he overall sports a 2.75 ERA, 3.33 FIP and 9.4 K/9 in 39 1/3 innings. The guy is trustworthy and probably has been their best option so far.

Brandon Kinztler: B+

Talk about bouncing back with a 1.98 ERA and 0.83 WHIP so far in 2019. Just hope he can keep it up, the 3.78 FIP is a little high, but so far he has gotten the job done.

Brad Brach: D

Very disappointing so far. The 6.4 BB/9 and 6.11 ERA rightfully overshadow the 10.7 K/9 he has posted this season. Brach has had a good career, but he may not have much left these days.

Kyle Ryan: C+/B-

Outside some rough patches, some may not realize his ERA (3.48), and FIP (3.46) are pretty solid. He has been better than given credit for.

Tyler Chatwood: C

The 4.40 ERA and 1.5 WHIP do not look good, but he has been tremendous in a number of long-relief appearances this year. He should stick to being a reliever the rest of the season.

Mike Montgomery: F

Hard to say if it is the shoulder injury, just not pitching well, lack of a permanent role or all three. A 6.20 FIP and 1.8 WHIP in 27 innings is awful to see from a World Series hero. His days as a Cub could be numbered.

Hopefully, some new players will be graded at the end of the season and other current players will see their grades rise. I am going to need to see a lot of improvement from the team after the All-Star break.

Chicago Cubs: The bullpen was a disaster to start the season, and hopefully reinforcements will help.

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