Chicago Cubs Updates: Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ben Brown

Chicago Cubs Navigate Rough Waters: Who’s Stepping Up and Who Needs a Spark?

This post looks at the recent performance of the Chicago Cubs, breaking down their week and pointing out key individual contributions during a tough stretch.

We’ll take a look at who’s showing promise, who’s struggling, and what changes might be coming for this North Side squad. There’s plenty to talk about, from player stats to the little moments that stand out.

A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Storm

After dropping eight straight games and then two more, the Cubs managed to go 3-4 last week.

It’s not the kind of week fans dream about, but honestly, it’s a small step forward. The team’s resilience (or maybe the lack of it) keeps coming up, but last week did offer a few bright spots.

You can see the talent. Consistency? Not so much.

Ian Happ: The Road Trip Warrior

The offense finally showed some life on the road, and Ian Happ led the charge.

Happ put up a .323/.344/.710 line for the trip. Over a five-game burst, he was even hotter: 10-for-24, hitting .417 with a .917 slugging percentage.

He racked up three doubles, three big home runs, and 11 RBIs.

That 407-foot shot in St. Louis was a thing of beauty, and then he followed it up with a 444-foot bomb during a four-hit night. You can tell he’s finding his groove, and honestly, it’s contagious for the rest of the dugout.

Pete Crow-Armstrong: Defensive Gem

Offense grabs headlines, but defense wins games—at least, that’s how it feels watching Pete Crow-Armstrong out there.

He’s been flashing his glove all over the outfield, making plays that can flip the momentum in a heartbeat.

His five-star catch to seal the win against the Cardinals? That’s the kind of thing that sticks with you. Plays like that don’t just save runs; they fire up the whole team.

Keegan Thompson: The Steadiest Hand

Pitching-wise, one guy keeps standing out.

Keegan Thompson has been a rock lately.

He tossed 13 innings over two starts, giving up only seven hits and three walks.

That works out to a sharp 0.769 WHIP and a tidy 1.38 ERA. Maybe the most impressive part: he’s only allowed one home run all year.

His homerless streak is up to 51.1 innings. That kind of command isn’t easy to find.

Areas Calling for Improvement

While Happ, Crow-Armstrong, and Thompson give fans something to hang onto, a few other Cubs are still searching for answers.

Their roles and even their future with the team might be in question.

Nelson Wicks: A Rough Patch

Nelson Wicks has hit a rough spot lately.

He’s only managed 6.1 innings over his last two starts and got tagged for 13 hits and a walk.

That adds up to a 15.63 ERA, which—let’s be honest—doesn’t inspire much confidence. Maybe a change of scenery would help him get back on track.

Pete Ballesteros: The Slump Continues

The offensive woes aren’t just about pitching.

Pete Ballesteros has been ice-cold at the plate.

He went 3-for-15 on the trip, wrapping up a brutal May where he hit just .102/.206/.153. That’s 6-for-59 with 18 strikeouts.

A trip to Triple-A might be just what he needs to reset and find his swing again.

Dansby Swanson and the Home Run Woes

Even players you count on can hit rough patches. Dansby Swanson has chipped in with the occasional two-hit game, but his overall offensive numbers have dropped.

Swanson’s trip line sits at .136/.321/.182. His May slash line, .151/.233/.215, paints a picture of a deeper slump.

His glove work still stands out, but the bats just aren’t there right now. Meanwhile, pitchers Shōta Imanaga and Jameson Taillon keep battling the same old problem—giving up too many home runs.

It feels like the Cubs need to tackle that issue if they want to stick around in the race. Maybe it’s time for some tweaks or a little soul-searching in the clubhouse. Something’s gotta give, right?

 
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