The Cubs have blown late leads in each of their Sunday games this season, and walks have been at the heart of the issue. Of their 17 combined free passes in those two losses, the bullpen was responsible for 10 despite pitching only eight innings. For the season, Cubs relievers have racked up an MLB-worst 27 walks. You might be thinking that’s to be expected due to having played more games than any other team so far, but the Cubs are actually third in baseball with 41.2 bullpen innings.
Making matters worse, Craig Counsell‘s relief corps has struck out only 34 batters, tied with four other teams for 14th in MLB.