Starting pitching has really been shaky to start the season. Coming into today they were 9th in NL in ERA at 4.34 and 12th in opponent batting average at .236. Cubs bullpen has actually been really good even with the bad start to the season, they currently rank 1st in the NL in both ERA and batting average at 2.71 and .185. I worry that if the starting pitching doesn't start coming into form and consistently go 7 innings the bullpen is going to get used too much and tire down the stretch when they need them the most.
Before tonight the starters were:
Lester: 0-1 3.68
Arrieta: 3-1 4.66
Lackey: 2-3 5.10
Anderson: 2-0 3.54
Hendricks: 2-1 4.50 (ERA lowered to 4.18 tonight)
Starting pitching has to start performing, the bats will be just fine but getting down early like they have lately really makes the offense have to press more at the plate trying to get those runs back. I'm starting to wonder if Lackey is finally hitting that point in his career where a move to the bullpen later this season would be the best. Seems like every start he gets roughed up in the first 2 innings. He has gone 6 innings in every start so far but all but 1 start has given up 4+ runs. Anderson has been the best pitcher in the rotation so far statistically, he had 1 bad start his 2nd game but has only given up 2 earned runs combined in his 3 other starts.
It's only April so way too early to panic but the rotation has to start pitching better soon. Arrieta especially is not going to get that big payday he is seeking if he doesn't start pitching like a number 1 or 2 guy soon.