The Cubs’ bullpen has earned a well-deserved break.
The starters’ struggles to pitch deep into games had forced the relievers to produce 386u2153 innings through the first game of the Cubs’ doubleheader Saturday against the Mets — the most by any National League bullpen.
Five relievers, led by left-hander Brandon Hughes and right-hander David Robertson, threw 6 2/3 innings in a 2-1, 11-inning loss in Game 1.
Hughes, who joined the Cubs on May 17, has been pitching in more high-leverage situations recently. He hasn’t allowed a run in seven of his last eight appearances, including Saturday, when he struck out four and allowed one hit in 1 2/3 innings.