Through injuries and inconsistency, the Chicago Cubs‘ bullpen has been shaky this season. The back end with Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon has been solid, but most other relievers have been inconsistent. Now it appears the Cubs may have a plan to strengthen the bullpen.
Reports from CSN Chicago indicate the Cubs are interested in adding veteran reliever Rafael Soriano, who at 35 years old, could still majorly help in the bullpen. With Strop and Rondon established as the back-end combo, Soriano would likely step into the seventh inning role if the team were able to sign him.
Here’s a look at the numbers for the Cubs’ middle and late relievers so far this season:
Zac Rosscup: 16.1 IP, 3.86ERA, 17 strikeouts
Jason Motte: 15.2 IP, 5.17 ERA, 11 strikeouts
Phil Coke: 10 IP, 6.30 ERA, 9 strikeouts
Edwin Jackson: 10.2 IP, 4.22 ERA, 9 strikeouts
Due to his poor play, Coke has been sent down. The team also recently got Justin Grimm back, who has looked spectacular, striking out nine in 4.2 IP while allowing just two hits and no runs. Chicago is also waiting for last year’s big surprise, Neil Ramirez, to return from injury.
Soriano is not the elite closer he once was, but he is still a solid back end bullpen arm. By taking pressure off of him and using him in the sixth and seventh innings, he can be more effective. If he’s signed and Ramirez comes back from injury relatively soon, the Cubs’ bullpen will start to look very solid as they enter the dog days of summer.
So far, that has been their missing piece. With it in place, the Cubs will be in even better shape to make the playoffs.