The Cubs lost twice on Monday
After playing solid baseball until the eighth inning — holding a three-run lead — reliever Jorge Lopez allowed a three-run homer to Bryan Reynolds that allowed the Pirates to tie the game, followed by Andrew McCutchen’s solo home run to left field that gave the Pirates the lead in the eighth inning.
Lopez allowed a season-high four runs in Monday’s 5-3 loss the Pirates.
“There’s a reason we gave him an extra day,” manager Craig Counsell said of taking Taillon out after seven scoreless innings. “We put Jorge Lopez in the game. He’s been wonderful. He’s pitched wonderfully. Obviously didn’t have a good night tonight, but that was the decision … and it was an easy decision.”
Counsell also announced that left-hander Justin Steele would miss Tuesday’s start with left elbow soreness. The Cubs might be without their ace as they attempt to make a run for a wild-card spot, which makes Monday’s loss a blown opportunity.
Lopez has a 2.19 ERA over 24 ⅔ innings with the Cubs. Monday’s blown save was the first time Lopez had allowed more than a run during his tenure with the Cubs. He’s been one of the sport’s better relievers, so his taking over for Taillon wasn’t controversial.
“It’s always a tough spot to be in as a manager,” Taillon said. “I understand it. Lopez has been one of the best relievers in baseball ever since we got him over here; he’s been lights out.
“Also just kind of a weird inning. Obviously, Cutch put a great swing on a good pitch, and then Reynolds is a great player, but to get the runners on base in front of him, it was like a bloop and an infield hit or whatever.”
The bullpen has been a bright spot for the Cubs in the second half of the season, particularly Lopez. Entering Monday’s game against Lopez threw 23 pitches, 14 for strikes, but wasn’t his usual strike-throwing self.
On Lopez’s homer to McCutchen, the veteran reliever put the sinker down and away, but McCutchen made a good swing and it had the right launch angle.
The Cubs (71-67) have given themselves very little room for error because of their combined 21-34 record in May and June. That’s what makes blown opportunities like Monday sting more for a team clinging to its wild-card hopes.
Given the stakes, Counsell still maintained a pragmatic view.
“We lost,” Counsell said. “We didn’t get it done tonight. Back at it tomorrow.”
The Cubs are now 3 1/2 games back of the third wild-card spot. It’s also notable that the Cubs don’t hold a tiebreaker over the Braves after losing the season series to them.
It’s especially damaging considering the Cubs’ next two series are against the Yankees (80-58) and the Dodgers (83-55). Injuries have ravaged the Dodgers’ starting rotation, and the Yankees have been playing around .500 ball since July 1, but they still possess superstars who can change games.
Counsell also announced that left-hander Justin Steele would be scratched from Tuesday’s game with elbow soreness. Right-hander Kyle Hendricks will replace him. Any time a pitcher deals with an elbow injury, there’s cause for concern. Steele had Tommy John surgery in 2017, and forearm injuries last season.
“Steely has been awesome for the last couple of years here,” Taillon said. “He’s a guy we all look to when it’s his day, and you see Steele on the mound, you know you’re going to get a good effort, and you’re going to be in the game.
“It stinks, but from everything I’ve heard, we’re hoping it’s just a quick thing. He means a lot to this group.”