Two playoff contenders in the National League, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs, continue to struggle closing out possible victories in the late innings.
They are hoping to solve the problem in different ways. The Diamondbacks demoted closer Greg Holland and will use a committee in the ninth inning, while the Cubs appear to be content to let their talented pitchers improve in crucial situations.
Cubs bullpen falters late again as Brewers record walk-off victory in the 10th inning. pic.twitter.com/wBwVpHhtJh
— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) July 28, 2019
Demotion in the desert
Greg Holland started the year brilliantly, notching nine saves in his first 21 appearances with a sterling 1.31 ERA. But he’s hit a long rocky stretch over the summer. Holland’s July line includes three blown saves and an 8.53 ERA.
The latest meltdown came Friday night against the last-place Marlins. Holland gave up two runs in the ninth inning of a 3-2 loss and Arizona, which once led the NL wild-card race, fell to 52-52. They rebounded to win Saturday but still trail the final playoff spot by 2.5 games.
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said Saturday he was giving Holland a break and hoped the former All-Star would be back in the closer’s role soon. In the meantime, he’ll use a combination of relievers, depending on the situation. Set-up man Archie Bradley seems likely to get the majority of chances.
#Dbacks manager said he’s going to give Greg Holland a break from closing and allow him to get back on a roll.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 28, 2019
Cubby Blues
The Cubs, meanwhile, twice blew the lead Saturday night against Milwaukee, once with a multi-reliever meltdown in the eighth inning and then, after retaking the lead in the top of the 10th inning, when closer Craig Kimbrel allowed two homers to lose in the bottom of the 10th.
Kimbrel is a high-priced mercenary the Cubs brought in last month to avoid this situation. That stings. It’s also the second straight time Chicago has blown a lead to the Brewers, who have caught the Cubs in the NL Central (both now trail the Cardinals by a game). That makes it even worse.
It makes eight blown saves in July for the Cubs, who suddenly find themselves in the thick of a tight wild-card race.
“It’s disappointing,” Kimbrel said according to ESPN.com. “We need to win games like that. It sucks.”
Cubs bullpen falters late again as Brewers record walk-off victory in the 10th inning. pic.twitter.com/wBwVpHhtJh
— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) July 28, 2019
