The Chicago Cubs are in a rut, and it's not just their fans who are frustrated. With a recent loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs have fallen out of first place in the National League Central, a position they've held since May. This isn't the first time the Cubs have struggled this season, but it's the cumulative effect of their struggles that's concerning. The Brewers, on the other hand, are defying expectations, having spent significantly less on their Opening Day payroll. They've built a high-scoring offense with speed and contact skills, while hitting the fewest home runs in the majors. This strategy has proven successful, as they've won the NL Central in each of the last three years and made four straight playoff appearances. The Cubs, meanwhile, are dealing with a collective slump, with key players like Alex Bregman and Moisés Ballesteros struggling to live up to their potential. Bregman's OPS is only .685, and Ballesteros is hitting just .286 with a .286 OPS in May. Even Dansby Swanson, who has seven home runs and a .195 batting average, hasn't been able to turn things around. The Cubs' issues extend to their pitching staff as well, with several top pitchers sidelined. This has led to a thinner bullpen and more workload decisions for the starters. The Brewers, despite having their own injured list, including starting pitchers Brandon Woodruff and Quinn Priester, have managed to stay competitive. They've won the NL Central in each of the last three years and made four straight playoff appearances. The Cubs, on the other hand, are struggling to find consistency, with a record of 29-20. They're now tied with the Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central, a division that also features the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cubs' struggles are a stark contrast to their historically great start to the season, which included two separate 10-game winning streaks and 15 consecutive victories at Wrigley Field. The team's recent slump has raised questions about their ability to stay competitive in a division that's become increasingly competitive. The Cubs' manager, Craig Counsell, is taking a measured approach to the team's struggles, noting that they have 113 games left to play. However, the team's recent performance has left fans and analysts alike wondering if the Cubs can turn things around and reclaim their place at the top of the NL Central.
