The Chicago Cubs have managed to rebound after a rough early May. To finish the month, the Cubs won a series against the Tampa Bay Rays who have MLB’s best record. Marcus Stroman helped by pitching a complete game shutout on Monday. He allowed only one hit and one walk. Stroman has an MLB-leading 10 quality starts this season. Justin Steele exited his start with what the team is calling left forearm tightness. Steele is undergoing further evaluation. This would be bad for the Cubs’ rotation if Steele has to go on the injured list. The team also saw Kyle Hendricks return to the rotation.
A 1-HIT COMPLETE GAME SHUTOUT FOR MARCUS STROMAN ?
9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K pic.twitter.com/gzQPGIQ1ox
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 29, 2023
The Cubs are 24-31, last in the NL Central. The Cubs are five games back of the division lead. The NL Central remains wide open. The division-leading Milwaukee Brewers are 29-26. The Cubs are currently 4 1/2 games back of a wild card spot. So far, the National League is deeper than the American League this season in terms of competitive teams. No NL team is more than 5 1/2 games back of a wild card spot, while in the AL, four teams sit more than 5 1/2 games out for a wild card. The Cubs are still postseason contenders for now, so don’t count them out yet. The most important part of the season is just starting.
The Chicago Cubs Rebound to End May
Good Start For Mike Tauchman
Mike Tauchman is off to a good start with the Cubs. In 12 games, Tauchman is batting .355, reaching base in 10 of the 12 games. Filling in for an injured Cody Bellinger in center field has allowed Tauchman a chance to get some reps, and he is making the most of that opportunity. This is the first time Tauchman has played in the majors since 2021. Since being called up, he hasn’t missed a game while starting 10 of the 12. Once Bellinger returns to the lineup, though, the way in which Tauchman will fit into the team’s plans remains unclear.
Mike Tauchman flairs one to left and gives the Cubs the lead! pic.twitter.com/0MHokOJnSX
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 31, 2023
The Jameson Taillon Problem
One of the Cubs’ biggest issues this season has been the struggles of Jameson Taillon. He has started eight games this season, and the Cubs have lost all of them. It is tied for the third-longest streak in team history to start a season, per ESPN. On June 2 against the San Diego Padres, Taillon will be making his ninth start of the season. He currently sports an 0-3 record with an 8.04 ERA. So far, there’s been only one start where he allowed less than three runs. Luckily, Taillon still has plenty of time to get back on track and turn his season around. The Cubs rotation could use a good outing from Taillon.
What Is Next For The Cubs
The Cubs now head out west for a road trip. First, they visit the Padres this weekend. Then they travel to Anaheim to face the Los Angeles Angels from June 6-9. After facing the San Francisco Giants from June 9-11, the Cubs will return home. They then play six of their next nine games against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a series against the Baltimore Orioles in between. On June 24 and June 25, the Cubs will face the St. Louis Cardinals in London. The team will have two days off before the series and one day off after the series.
Photo Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Players Mentioned: Marcus Stroman, Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, Mike Tauchman, Cody Bellinger, Jameson Taillon
