Cubs Affiliate Update: Iowa’s Pitching Struggles Continue to Haunt Team

May record: 13-16 (24-32 overall, 9.0 back in PCL American Northern division)

Stat Central

Hitting
Average – Victor Caratini – .340
OBP – Mark Zagunis – .405
HR – Ian Happ – 9
RBI  – Victor Caratini – 33

Pitching
IP – Aaron Brooks – 54.2
ERA – Seth Frankoff – 2.90
Saves  – Pierce Johnson – 5
Ks – Seth Frankoff – 52

The strength of this team all year has been their hitting. Even when Jeimer Candelario and Ian Happ were promoted to Chicago, Stephen Bruno, Taylor Davis, and Chesny Young continued in their place. The starting pitching, on the other hand, has been a trainwreck.

Only Seth Frankoff has managed to put up respectable numbers as a starter. Aaron Brooks and Williams Perez have been beaten around and Manager Marty Pevey has resorted to using relievers Steve Perakslis and Juan Paniagua as spot starters after Eddie Butler was promoted and Jake Buchanan was designated for assignment.

At some point in the near future, pitching help will come from Tennessee. That could take a while, however, as Tennessee is leading their division for a playoff spot.

Promotion Commotion

I don’t see any hitters moving up to Chicago unless there’s an injury. Caratini and Young are as ready as they’ll ever be; Mark Zagunis and Taylor Davis could be used as well.

When it comes to relievers, that’s another story. Zac Rosscup has been the most consistent member of the pen all year, with an ERA under three. The rest of the bullpen has been inconsistent, though. Whether it’s Pierce Johnson, David Rollins, or Felix Pena, they have all lacked the consistency needed at the major league level. I am intrigued by Conor Mullee, who has thrown blanks in his three appearances since coming off the DL.

Player to Watch

Mark Zagunis had a pretty stout May in which he hit .273 with six home runs. Coming off an ankle injury at the end of 2016, it took him a while to get back in the swing of things this year. It’ll be exciting to see how he does in warmer weather.

Check out our other affiliate updates

South Bend Cubs
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Tennessee Smokies

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