Stephanie: Jacob Webb just gave up a home run in the tenth, and now we’re staring down another late-inning collapse. But this time? The opponent is different. And the stakes are higher.
Sean: It’s not just about winning a game tonight. It’s about whether this bullpen can survive without its most reliable arms. We’ve got injuries piling up, and the Pirates are waiting to pounce.
Stephanie: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Stephanie, and this is your daily Chicago Cubs preview show. I’m joined by Sean, who’s been tracking every injury report and bullpen usage stat like a hawk.
Sean: And if you missed our last three episodes, you know we’ve been right there with you through the sweep against Milwaukee. It was brutal. But baseball moves fast.
Stephanie: That’s right. Tonight, we’re looking ahead to the Pittsburgh Pirates coming into Wrigley Field for a two-game series starting tomorrow. We’ll break down the pitching matchups, the injury list that’s growing longer than a hot dog at a game, and who needs to step up if the Cubs want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Sean: We also have to talk about the elephant in the room: the bullpen. With guys like Rob Zastryzny and Brandon Woodruff on the 60-day IL, and others on the 15-day, the relief corps is stretched thin. Can they handle it?
Stephanie: Let’s get into it. First up: the pitching. Who’s on the mound for Game 1 of this series?
Sean: Well, Stephanie, the big news here is that Shota Imanaga is set to start. Remember, we talked about his importance in our last episode when he faced Milwaukee. He’s coming off a strong outing, but he’s got a tough task against a Pirates team that’s been hitting well lately.
Stephanie: Right, and let’s not forget, the Cubs are sitting at 81-66, second in the NL Central. They need these wins to stay close with Milwaukee, who currently leads by ten games. That’s a massive gap to close in just a few weeks.
Sean: Exactly. And while Imanaga is a solid starter, the question is whether the rest of the rotation can hold things together. Matthew Boyd and Aaron Civale are next in line, but neither has been consistent all season. If the Pirates’ lineup catches fire, the Cubs could be in trouble quickly.
Stephanie: Speaking of the Pirates, they’ve been playing some aggressive baseball. Their offense has been clicking, especially against left-handed pitching. Do you think Imanaga, who is right-handed, will be able to contain them?
Sean: That’s the key matchup. Imanaga has shown he can pitch effectively against both sides, but the Pirates have specific platoon splits that might exploit him. If they get early runs, it puts pressure on the Cubs’ bullpen, which, as we discussed, is already compromised.
Stephanie: So, if Imanaga doesn’t go deep, does that mean we’re looking at a heavy bullpen night again? Because that’s what happened against Milwaukee. Jacob Webb gave up a homer in the tenth, and it was costly.
Sean: It’s a real possibility. The Cubs don’t have many deep-rest relievers right now. Guys like Javier Assad and Daniel Palencia are being asked to do more, but they’re not used to those high-leverage situations. It’s a gamble.
Stephanie: And let’s not forget, the Pirates are known for their speed on the basepaths. If the Cubs’ defense isn’t sharp, that could lead to extra bases and more stress on the pitching staff.
Sean: Definitely. Speed kills in tight games. If the Cubs can’t turn double plays or make the right throws, it adds up. So, the defensive positioning and communication will be critical from the start.
Stephanie: Okay, so pitching is one piece. Let’s move to the other side of the ball. Who are the key hitters for the Cubs in this series?
Sean: Well, Ian Happ has been a constant force. He’s always been a threat, but this year, his plate discipline has improved. He’s drawing more walks and putting up solid OBP numbers. Against the Pirates, he’s someone they have to respect.
Stephanie: And Seiya Suzuki? He’s had some ups and downs, but when he’s on, he’s dangerous. Do you think he’s ready to take over against Pittsburgh?
Sean: I think Suzuki is due for a breakout. His launch angle has been improving, and he’s making better contact. If the Pirates’ pitchers try to challenge him inside, he can pull the ball to the gaps. That’s a weapon the Cubs need.
Stephanie: What about Michael Conforto? We talked about him last week, and he’s been struggling a bit. Is he still a key part of this lineup?
Sean: Conforto is having a tough series, but he’s still a veteran presence. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of getting back to basics. If he can focus on making contact and not chasing pitches outside the zone, he could spark the offense.
Stephanie: And what about the younger guys? Pete Crow-Armstrong has been impressive this season. Do you see him continuing that trend?
Sean: Crow-Armstrong is exciting. His speed and defense are elite, and he’s adding power. If he can keep his swing path clean, he’s going to be a problem for any pitcher. The Pirates will likely try to pitch around him, but that opens up opportunities for others.
Stephanie: Let’s talk injuries. We mentioned Jake Bauers is day-to-day. How does that affect the lineup?
Sean: Bauer’s absence means Michael Busch gets more at-bats at first base. Busch is capable, but he’s not a full-time everyday guy yet. It’s a slight downgrade, but not catastrophic. The bigger issue is the bullpen.
Stephanie: Right, because with guys like Bryse Wilson and Grant Anderson on the 15-day IL, and others on the 60, the relief options are limited. Who are the primary closers now?
Sean: Clay Holmes is listed as an SP, but he’s been used in relief recently. That’s a risky move. You’re taking your best arm out of the rotation and potentially burning him out. If he doesn’t recover, you’re in trouble later.
Stephanie: And Colin Rea? He’s been a workhorse. Is he available for relief duty if needed?
Sean: Rea is versatile, but using him in relief too often could jeopardize his next start. The coaching staff has to balance immediate needs with long-term strategy. It’s a tough call.
Stephanie: So, to sum up Segment 2: the offense relies on Happ, Suzuki, and Crow-Armstrong to carry the load, while the bullpen is a major concern with injuries decimating the roster. Got it.
Sean: Exactly. And if the bullpen fails again, it’s hard to win. We saw it against Milwaukee. It’s a pattern that needs to break.
Stephanie: Alright, let’s get into our final segment. Keys to the series. What does the Cubs need to do to win this two-game set against the Pirates?
Sean: First, control the strike zone. The Pirates have been swinging at bad pitches. If the Cubs’ starters can keep them honest and avoid giving up free runs, they stand a chance. Second, defend well. No easy outs for the opposition.
Stephanie: And third, manage the bullpen wisely. Don’t burn out your arms. Use the middle relievers strategically. If you can keep the game close until the ninth, maybe you can get a save from someone like Caleb Thielbar or Trent Thornton.
Sean: Thornton has been solid in setup roles. If he can keep the lead, that’s huge. But it’s all about trust. Does the manager trust these guys in high-leverage spots? Or is he scrambling?
Stephanie: That’s the question. And finally, a bold prediction. I’m going to say the Cubs win one game in this series. Maybe not sweep, but they’ll take one.
Sean: I’m going to go with the Cubs losing both. The bullpen is just too fragile, and the Pirates are hungry. They’re fighting for position, and they’ll play harder. I predict a sweep for Pittsburgh.
Stephanie: Wow, Sean. You’re really digging in there. Okay, so I say Cubs win one, you say Pirates sweep. Let’s see who’s right.
Sean: It’s all about execution, Stephanie. If the Cubs can execute defensively and pitch deep into games, they have a shot. But if the bullpen collapses again, it’s over.
Stephanie: Thanks for listening, everyone! We covered the pitching matchup with Imanaga, the injury concerns plaguing the bullpen, and the key hitters like Happ and Suzuki who need to step up. If you found value in today’s breakdown, consider supporting us. Your contribution keeps this show free and daily. Just click the link in the episode description. Every bit helps us bring you closer to the game.
Sean: Stay tuned for our next preview. We’ll be right back with more analysis. Go Cubs!
Stephanie: You heard it here first on the Beatline Podcast Network. See you tomorrow!