Major League Baseball is well aware that the Chicago Cubs’ offense is thriving, but the same can’t be said for their pitching staff, which has its share of concerns.
Ace Justin Steele is out for the year following elbow surgery, and Shota Imanaga is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Still, the Cubs have managed to fill the gaps. Colin Rea and Matthew Boyd have delivered solid innings, and top prospect Cade Horton has made a smooth transition since being called up from Triple-A Iowa.
The bullpen also has its problems. Offseason acquisition Ryan Pressly has struggled with consistency, registering only four saves. Daniel Palencia leads the team with five. Pressly was expected to solidify the closer role, not leave it up for grabs.
But what’s not up for debate is that whether it’s Pressly or Palencia finishing games, they’re doing so with a lead — thanks in large part to the Cubs’ top pitcher in May: reliever Brad Keller.
While much of the chatter has centered around the Cubs’ injury-plagued rotation, Keller’s performance — especially in May — deserves attention.
In 14 appearances during May, Keller posted a perfect 0.00 ERA, surrendering only eight hits and no runs. He struck out 12, walked just two, and maintained a 0.64 WHIP. He also made a spot start, going 2-0 with 15.2 innings pitched and four holds.
Keller has been a versatile piece for Chicago this season.
He leads the team with 26 appearances and has thrown 28 innings, giving up only seven earned runs, with no homers allowed. He’s tallied 28 strikeouts against eight walks, holding a 2.22 ERA and recording eight holds.
The 28-year-old right-hander, who’s been in the Majors since 2018, signed with the Cubs as a free agent. He began the year in Triple-A Iowa but was called up in time for the team’s season opener in Arizona.
Last season wasn’t kind to Keller — he struggled across time with both the White Sox and Red Sox, finishing with an 0-4 record and a 5.44 ERA in 16 games.
Now, he’s on track for the best season of his career and has become a key figure in the Cubs’ bullpen.