Chicago Cubs Fading Again as Kyle Hendricks Tries to Keep His Team in the Picture

The slide continues

The Chicago Cubs have now lost four straight games, and they are in danger of falling out of the National League Wild Card race. The Cubs have been outscored 28-12 during their losing streak, and their offense has been anemic. Kyle Hendricks will try to stop the bleeding on Monday night when he takes the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Hendricks needs to be better

Hendricks has not been at his best this season, and he will need to be better if the Cubs are going to turn things around. The right-hander is 7-7 with a 4.70 ERA in 21 starts this season. He has allowed 121 hits and 54 walks in 115.2 innings pitched.

The Cubs need Hendricks to be a leader on the mound, and they need him to eat up innings. If he can do that, the Cubs will have a chance to get back into the Wild Card race.

The offense needs to wake up

The Cubs offense has been terrible during their losing streak. The team is hitting just .194 with a .278 on-base percentage and a .333 slugging percentage during that span.

The Cubs need to start hitting the ball, or they are going to continue to lose games. The team has a lot of talented hitters, but they need to start producing.

Bryant needs to step up

Kris Bryant is the Cubs' best player, and he needs to start playing like it. Bryant is hitting just .245 with 19 home runs and 61 RBIs this season. He has not been the same player since he won the NL MVP award in 2016.

The Cubs need Bryant to be a leader on the offense, and they need him to produce. If he can do that, the Cubs will have a chance to get back into the Wild Card race.

The Cubs are still in the hunt

The Cubs are still in the Wild Card race, but they need to start playing better. The team has a lot of talent, but they need to start producing. If they can do that, they have a chance to make a run at the playoffs.

Conclusion

The Cubs are fading again, but they are still in the Wild Card race. Kyle Hendricks needs to be better, the offense needs to wake up, and Kris Bryant needs to step up. If the Cubs can do those things, they have a chance to make a run at the playoffs.