Chicago Cubs news — Busch, Ramirez, Thornton, Suzuki

Obviously, since there is a special section for writers' opinions regarding the state of the Cubs' bullpen, that is the immediate issue. The return of some players from the IL, and the definitely adequate performance of the current bullpen up until the last week, had given the Cubs, and their followers, a false sense of security. No one expected a physical (and mental) breakdown all at once this week.

Friday's game was a bizarre example. I did a completely random bit of research — I just glanced at box scores and just started with the beginning of the White Sox series (again, randomly). He didn't pitch a lot, but when he did, he pitched in either the sixth or seventh, and pitched very well. But while those weren't extremely high-leverage situations, it seemed like it was something he should have been able to handle. Looking at his season, he had been very erratic through July. Something clicked when the calendar turned to August, where he had not allowed a run in 11 appearances.

David Peterson pitched adequately, allowing two runs over five innings, despite six hits and three walks. He gave the Cubs a point to build on for a win. This seemed to be a good situation to have a door-slammer enter the game. The move certainly didn't work, obviously. I don't have a list of relievers who were available, so I'm just guessing. Obviously, Aaron Civale was available, but he gave up two runs himself, so he wasn't the door-slammer. Chris Rea hadn't pitched since the 21st. Ryan Rolison, Caleb Thielbar, Daniel Palencia, Ryan Zeferjahn all have had shaky recent performances. Thornton seemed like the right guy, but now he's joined the "shaky" list.