The Chicago Cubs’ path to the postseason will achieve readability over the subsequent two weeks.
They are in a stretch of enjoying 11 straight video games in opposition to groups chasing them within the National League wild-card race. By mid-September, the Cubs have a chance to have a stranglehold on a playoff spot. To get there, they’ve three gamers who they should step up over the ultimate month of the season.
1. Dansby Swanson
The Cubs protection up the center from second baseman Nico Hoerner and Swanson continues to play a giant position within the crew’s success.
But the Cubs want much more from Swanson offensively. Although his energy numbers have ticked up during the last two months, the shortstop’s general struggles on the plate have been pronounced throughout that stretch. Since July 1, Swanson is hitting .206 whereas proudly owning a .283 on-base proportion and .708 OPS in his final 43 video games by way of Saturday. His strikeout charge (30.6%) is also regarding.
Swanson has been placing the ball on the bottom an excessive amount of, significantly throughout this hunch. His groundball charge is sitting at 50.5% within the final two months, properly above his common GB% with the Atlanta Braves the final 5 years (39.1%). As an everyday in both the No. 5 or 2-spot within the order, run scoring alternatives ought to proceed to be ample for Swanson. They should get extra consistency from their huge free-agent acquisition.
2. Jameson Taillon
Taillon has skilled loads of highs and lows in his first season with the Cubs. He moved previous a tough first three months to place collectively a monthlong stretch during which he was one of many Cubs’ greatest starters.
The inconsistency has been one of many greatest points surrounding Taillon’s season. What higher approach to finish the primary season of his four-year contract with a four-week efficiency that helps the Cubs attain the postseason?
The lack of Marcus Stroman and unknown timeline for his potential return places loads of strain on Justin Steele and Kyle Hendricks to proceed to ship high quality begins and on the much less skilled Javier Assad and Jordan Wicks to pitch properly down the stretch.
In his final 4 begins heading, Taillon posted a 7.84 ERA with 18 earned runs in 20⅔ innings. That gained’t lower it. Taillon stepping up would go a good distance in lessening the load on the remainder of the rotation and assist the bullpen each fifth day.
3. Christopher Morel
Morel’s walk-off three-run homer in opposition to the White Sox that despatched Wrigley Field right into a frenzy will go down as one of many Cubs’ greatest moments of the season.
Since that sport, nevertheless, Morel is 4-for-29 (.138) with just one stroll and 10 strikeouts.
At 24, Morel nonetheless is growing. But when he’s struggling, Morel is nearly unplayable as a result of he doesn’t draw sufficient walks or work counts to make him an excellent cog inside the lineup when hits aren’t falling.
If he will get sizzling, Morel is able to carrying the offense. Finding a approach to get him locked in can be a game-changer for an offense that wants his energy.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com