The Cubs and Astros, both grappling with recent struggles, meet in a series where each aims to rediscover their form. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged their current difficulties, stating, “We’re in a funk right now, and it’s up to us to change it.”. Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez echoed this sentiment, telling reporters, “I think right now we’re struggling a little bit.”.
Wrigley Field will host what could be described as a gathering of the miserable, as the two teams share similar struggles. The Cubs have slipped from their early first-place position, now sitting 1 1/2 games behind the Brewers. Meanwhile, the Astros find themselves 11 games under .500, languishing in fourth place in the AL West.
Cubs’ Offensive and Pitching Struggles
The Cubs have struggled mightily, scoring three runs or fewer in nine of their last 11 games. They have been outscored 59-31 during this stretch, with a collective batting average of just .182. Their power has also waned, being outhomered 20-7.
On the pitching front, Shota Imanaga is the only Cubs starter to have pitched beyond five innings in their last two rotations. Edward Cabrera was recently removed from a game after just one pitch in the fourth inning due to a blister.
Astros’ Parallel Slump
The Astros’ struggles mirror those of the Cubs. Over the same 11-game stretch, the Astros are batting .186 and averaging just 1.9 runs per game. They have been outscored 52-23.
The Astros are already missing Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier. Lance McCullers is also absent.
Individual Performances Amidst Team Woes
In the Cubs’ lineup, Alex Bregman stands out as the only player with double-digit hits in the last 11 games, with 12. However, other players are struggling, with Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ each managing only four hits in their last 37 at-bats. Dansby Swanson is 5-for-34, Moises Ballesteros is 1-for-18, and Matt Shaw is hitless in 14 at-bats.
- Alex Bregman has 12 hits in the last 11 games.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ both have four hits in their last 37 at-bats.
- Dansby Swanson is 5-for-34.
Upcoming Pitching Matchups
Jameson Taillon is scheduled to pitch for the Cubs against the Astros on Friday, with Colin Rea pitching Saturday. The Cubs are considering giving Shota Imanaga an extra day of rest, potentially slotting Ben Brown into Sunday’s game.
According to Wrigley Winds, the wind will be blowing in for all three games.
The Cubs should know by Friday whether Edward Cabrera can make his next start.