Michael Conforto's success is covering up a Cubs' slump that was inevitable

Michael Conforto's resurgence has certainly been a key development for the Chicago Cubs' success this season, but it's come at a time when a key bat in the starting lineup has regressed. Conforto was in the starting lineup for two of the three games against the Texas Rangers, and while Craig Counsell may have been riding the hot hand, he could have been looking for an early reset for Moises Ballesteros.

Overall, Ballesteros is off to a terrific start to his rookie season. He's slashing .265/.327/.500 with a wRC+ of 131 and six home runs through his first 110 plate appearances. It's been early validation for the Cubs' front office, considering they were willing to give up Owen Caissie in the Edward Cabrera trade with the Miami Marlins.

Even with Ballesteros' hot start, there were a couple of things to remember. He's only 22 years old, and once the book was out on him, the young designated hitter would need to adjust. We've seemed to have reached the point where an adjustment from Ballesteros is needed.

Moises Ballesteros is human

In his 31 plate appearances since May 1, Ballesteros is slashing .074/.161/.185 with a wRC+ of -2. Not exactly the impact bat he was for the Cubs to open the season. One of the biggest differences is that Ballesteros is striking out more. On the season, he's striking out 18.2% of the time. Since May 1, that number has jumped to 25.8%.

The reality is, there was bound to be some regression for Ballesteros. As with Edward Cabrera on the pitching staff, Ballesteros was having success to open the season, but some of his underlying metrics suggested that luck may have crept into his profile. Between the uptick in strikeouts and a dip in hard-hit rate, there was bound to be a slump for Ballesteros after his hot start to the season.

For now, there shouldn't be too much of a concern for the Cubs. Slumps like this happen during the season, especially for a hitter in his first full season. Ballesteros has hit at every level of the Cubs' system and has shown an ability to make adjustments when needed. The expectation should be that he finds his way on the other side of these struggles within the coming weeks.

Fortunately, with the success Conforto is having, the Cubs should be able to keep their foot on the gas pedal.

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