Cubs bullpen management: A look into David Ross’ thought process without a closer

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HOUSTON – Cubs manager David Ross called for left-hander Brandon Hughes to start warming up after Keegan Thompson gave up a first-pitch single to Yainer Diaz in the ninth inning. The game was threatening to extend into the left-handed pocket near the top of the Astros’ batting order.

A two-run home run and a walk later, there was no reason to wait. Ross walked out to the mound to make the final pitching change in what would become a 7-6 walk-off loss Wednesday.

“We’ve got to win that game,” manager David Ross said. “We’ve got to pitch better on the back end.”

The Cubs’ fifth loss in a row encapsulated their bullpen conundrum.

Just starting to pry open their competitive window, the Cubs…