Fresh Start for the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs entered the second half of the season with renewed hope and determination. The All-Star break provided a much-needed mental reset for the team, as well as a chance for players to recover physically. Despite their struggles, the Cubs believe that there is still time to turn things around. One player who embodies this mindset is Justin Steele, who consistently delivers strong performances on the mound.
On a sunny Friday afternoon, a crowd of over 40,000 fans gathered at Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs in action. Jon Lester, a three-time World Series champion, joined the broadcast booth to provide his insights. The presence of a seasoned veteran like Lester reminded everyone that a team can get hot at the right time, just like the Arizona Diamondbacks did.
However, Saturday’s game did not go as planned for the Cubs. They suffered a 5-2 loss that felt all too familiar, pushing their record to 47-52. With only nine games remaining until the July 30 trade deadline, the Cubs are aware that they need to prove themselves in order to have a chance at turning their season around.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell understands the importance of the upcoming games but believes that it is not solely determined by the next 10 days. He emphasizes that the team needs to play exceptionally well in order to make up for their lackluster performance in the first part of the season. The math may not be in their favor, but Counsell remains optimistic and open to exploring creative options at the trade deadline.
One player who has been a bright spot for the Cubs is Justin Steele. Despite his impressive 3.07 ERA and fierce competitiveness, the team has struggled to give him the run support he deserves. In Steele’s 15 starts, the Cubs have only managed a 5-10 record. This trend continued against the Diamondbacks, as Steele was knocked out of the game in the fifth inning.
Reflecting on his performance, Steele acknowledged the Diamondbacks’ strong lineup and admitted to struggling with his command early on. The Cubs’ offense failed to produce timely hits once again, falling behind 5-0 before finally scoring a run. Even with two opportunities to score in the eighth inning, they only managed to bring in one run. In the ninth inning, they had a chance to tie the game but were thwarted by Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald.
Looking back at last year’s All-Star break, the Cubs lost their first series and found themselves seven games under .500 in the middle of July. However, they turned things around and became buyers at the trade deadline. The tone of conversations surrounding the team could shift dramatically if they manage to beat the Diamondbacks in their upcoming games.
As the trade deadline approaches, several factors come into play for the Cubs. Cody Bellinger’s broken finger is slowly healing, but his future with the team remains uncertain. The Cubs have to consider his unique contract structure, declining power numbers, and whether he will opt into his $30 million guaranteed for next season.
Another change for the Cubs is the dismissal of Toy Matsushita, Seiya Suzuki’s interpreter since he joined the major leagues in 2022. Manager Craig Counsell believes that they can move forward without Matsushita and have built a support system around Suzuki that will continue to help him thrive.
Despite their struggles, the Cubs have faith in their pitching depth to keep them competitive. Trade possibilities may arise as they have several pitchers nearing their return from injuries. Julian Merryweather is expected to be activated soon after completing his rehab appearances, while Ben Brown and Adbert Alzolay are making progress in their recoveries. Additionally, Jordan Wicks is eligible to be activated in mid-August, which coincides with a potentially easier stretch of games against post-deadline sellers.
Justin Steele remains confident in the team’s abilities and believes they have what it takes to put wins on the board. With a group of familiar faces from last year and some new additions, the Cubs are determined to make a strong push in the second half of the season.
In conclusion, the Chicago Cubs are approaching the second half of the season with a fresh start mentality. They understand the challenges they face but remain optimistic about their chances of turning things around. With Justin Steele leading the way on the mound and a potential boost from returning players, the Cubs are ready to fight for wins and prove themselves in the remaining games before the trade deadline.