These 3 Cubs are floundering at the plate over the last 2 weeks

3 Cubs players who are floundering at the plate: #2 - Matt Mervis

Speaking of young Cubs looking lost at the plate, rookie first baseman Matt Mervis is in the same boat as his teammate Morel. He's batting just .050/.136/.100 over the last two weeks and the plate discipline he demonstrated during his rapid ascent through the minors has evaporated - evidenced by a 40% strikeout rate.

Cubs fans hoped Mervis would be that much-needed power presence once he reached the big leagues, but so far he's managed just four extra-base hits in 74 at-bats, including a pair of home runs. He's shown flashes of making adjustments, but hasn't been able to lock in since coming to Chicago.

"We’re trying to reiterate to him that this is still your game, you’re the same player. This is you and what you do best and we’re going to try and continue to stick to that. Obviously there’s some challenges, especially him coming up with a little bit of notoriety. People knew who he was. The power is real. All of that is real and guys have treated him like he’s a power threat in our lineup.
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Dustin Kelly on Matt Mervis

With Eric Hosmer a thing of the past and Trey Mancini still finding his footing with his new team, first base continues to be a major issue for the team, especially offensively. Hopefully, with more reps, Mervis will begin to settle in and show why he rocketed his way through the ranks over the last two years.