Cubs Bullpen Strengthens Amid Rotation, Injury Challenges

The Chicago Cubs are navigating challenges in their pitching staff as they aim for playoff seeding with just weeks left in the regular season. Key closer Daniel Palencia has been sidelined with a shoulder strain, but the Cubs' bullpen has performed strongly in his absence, delivering back-to-back shutout relief performances against the Atlanta Braves. Starting pitcher Shota Imanaga, who signed a complex contract that may lead to free agency sooner than initially planned, has shown strong overall performance despite some recent struggles with home runs allowed. The rotation is also bolstered by the upcoming returns of Jameson Taillon and Michael Soroka, though Matthew Boyd's recent form has been inconsistent. The bullpen's depth and resilience have been praised by teammates and management alike, providing a silver lining amid injury concerns. Meanwhile, the Mets face difficulties with their starting rotation, particularly with Clay Holmes and Sean Manaea underperforming, raising questions about their pitching strategy heading into the final stretch of the season.