Cubs roster is now deeper than it has been

David Banks - USA Today Sports

by Anthony Pasquale - Staff Writer - Wed Jun 21 10:00:33 GMT-05:00 2023

Toward the end of May and the beginning of June, things looked bleak for the Chicago Cubs. The bullpen was reeling, the offense was struggling, and it felt like nothing was going right. Injuries made the roster thin, and the Cubs had a lot of panic throughout the fan base. So many questions arose that the talk shows began discussing the impending trade deadline this season and which Cubs players should be packing their bags.

However, some huge players returning from injury and a five-game winning streak + winning nine out of 11 games have made the Cubs' playoff hopes look more like a possibility than a distant dream — and the roster looks a lot deeper than it has.

While the Cubs are still in fourth place, they are just 3.5 games out of first place in what has proven to be a competitive but weak division — and playing their best baseball of the season.

Kyle Hendricks was the first domino to fall. While his first two starts were in May, Hendricks has been dominant over his last two outings here in June. Hendricks owns the longest no-hit bid of the season thanks to his 8 shutout innings against the Giants, and he followed that up with a win over the Orioles over the weekend.

Hendrick’s return to the organization, and his return to form, has been a big boost to the Cubs. Hendrick’s success has given the Cubs four very reliable starters, which not only helps the Cubs as they have a great rotation, but it also puts less pressure on the struggling bullpen.

The next piece was Cody Bellinger’s return from injury. Bellinger injured himself in the middle of May but is now back — a major boost to lengthen a lineup that desperately needed some help. It may take a second for Bellinger to return to form from how he played in April and May; just his presence in the lineup has been useful.

Bellinger has a few extra-base hits thus far since his return as well, and he has given David Ross some great options in the lineup.

Matt Mervis’ struggles at first base and the way Mike Tauchman has excelled in center field spot during Bellinger’s absence has allowed the Cubs to send Mervis back down the minors to work on things, let Bellinger ease back into action by playing first base and allowing Mike Tauchman and his hot hand to continue to be rewarded with playing time.

Justin Steele has been a wonderful left-handed workhorse from the rotation. Steele has an excellent record of 7-2 and has pitched to the tune of a 2.71 ERA. After finishing last season as one of the best pitchers in baseball in the second half, Steele has used this season to cement himself as a true ace.

After missing three starts, Steele returned on Saturday over the weekend with a five-inning outing, allowing only two runs and striking out four. Steele and Hendricks both being healthy allow the Cubs to sport one of the best starting rotations in the National League.

Potential Best Lineup

1. Mike Tauchman CF

2. Nico Hoerner 2B

3. Seiya Suzuki RF

4. Ian Happ LF

5. Dansby Swanson SS

6. Cody Bellinger CF

7. Christopher Morel DH

8. Miguel Amaya/ Yan Gomes/ Tucker Barnhart C

9. Nick Madrigal/ Patrick Wisdom 3B

Bench:

Trey Mancini