Reds vs. Cubs: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

Both the Cubs’ bats and arms have yet to wake from hibernation.

For a team that fields a lineup with names like Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, and former MVP Kris Bryant, you don’t expect to be the worst hitting team in the league, but the bottom is where the Chicago Cubs find themselves.

Entering play yesterday, Chicago was hitting a league-worst .203 and were second from the cellar in both on-base percentage (.298) and hits (154). Amazingly, the Cubs have three starters hitting below the Mendoza line.

Second baseman David Bote and outfielders Ian Happ and Jason Heyward were hitting .189 or worse as play began Thursday. Only Kris Bryant is showing signs of his usual outstanding self. The third baseman is off to an excellent start slashing .300/.380/.613 with 16 RBIs and 13 extra-base hits, including six round-trippers.

Give the Cubs pitching staff credit; they’ve been willing participants to share in the ineptness to keep the offense company. Chicago hurlers have compiled a senior circuit worst 4.86 ERA and allowed 114 earned runs as play opened yesterday.

The North Siders starting rotation has been a dumpster fire to begin the 2021 campaign. Through the first month of the season, the starters occupy the bottom of the NL with an ugly 5.68 ERA and just 105 strikeouts.

If there’s been a bright spot for Chicago pitching, it comes from a couple of right-handers in manager David Ross’ bullpen. Craig Kimbrel and Dan Winkler have combined to surrender just one run over 17.2 innings while allowing only five base hits.