Cubs are suddenly facing an Edward Cabrera question that extends well beyond the playoffs

The Chicago Cubs were hoping that a move to the bullpen for Edward Cabrera would not only resolve the blister problem that has followed him for most of the season, but unlock a version of Cabrera that could be used in a similar way to how Roki Sasaki was used during the playoffs with the Los Angeles Dodgers last October.

Instead, the only thing that Cabrera's move to the bullpen has proved is that the Cubs have a far larger problem beyond just deciding if the former Miami Marlins starting pitcher has a spot on the playoff roster.

When Cabrera entered Tuesday's game in the 12th inning, the damage was already done. Caleb Thielbar had already given up the lead, and if anything, Cabrera's efforts just put the game out of reach. He gave up three runs on two hits and two walks in less than an inning of work.

Cubs' Edward Cabrera problem now extends beyond the playoffs

It's become increasingly clear that Cabrera can't be placed on the Cubs' playoff roster. Craig Counsell will need as many effective arms available in the bullpen as possible, and short of 14 innings at the start of the season, Cabrera has not checked that box for the Cubs.

The problem with Cabrera extends beyond just the playoff roster. Part of the reason why the Cubs traded Owen Caissie for Cabrera is because of the thought that he could be the top-of-the-rotation pitcher they've been seeking for much of the past two years.

Instead, there's been regression across the board. Cabrera struck out 25.8% of the hitters he faced during his last year with the Marlins, that's down to 20.3% with the Cubs this season. His walks are up 2% from last year, as well as his groundball rate dropping by 3%.

Scanning through Cabrera's Baseball Savant page, it's dripping blue. Outside of his fastball velocity, there's nothing in his profile that would suggest he's capable of sitting at the top of a starting rotation.

Figuring out Cabrera will need to be a priority for the Cubs this offseason. This season is lost. Throughout the season, the Cubs have stressed the importance of Cabrera's arm angle, and there's been clear alterations from where it was with the Marlins. It remains to be seen if that was due to a suggestion from the Cubs, or Cabrera simply developing a hitch in his delivery.

Regardless, with the number of free agents set to depart the Cubs' rotation once the season is over, Jed Hoyer and Co. need Cabrera to return to form next season. Otherwise, the trade will look like a massive whiff.

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