The Cubs bullpen going from unreliable to one of the best units in the majors seemingly overnight is a big part of how the team has been able to overcome inconsistent offensive production. Despite an 4.31 ERA for the full season, their 2.08 ERA since August 27 is the best in MLB. David Ross having a better understand of his relief unit is one reason for the turnaround, then there’s the emergence of Ryan Tepera and Jason Adam, not to mention Craig Kimbrel’s return to form.
Perhaps the biggest key to the bullpen’s success is that it’s not being over-exposed.