Chicago Managers Face Challenges with Bullpen Strategies

Craig Counsell and Will Venable faced similar challenges on Saturday, relying heavily on their bullpens with unfavorable results. Counsell’s Chicago Cubs saw a 5-0 lead vanish in an 8-6 defeat to the Toronto Blue Jays, while Venable’s White Sox lost 4-1 to the Detroit Tigers on a bullpen-driven day due to a missing fifth starter. Unfortunately, the White Sox bullpen struggled the following day, surrendering leads in both the ninth and tenth innings, resulting in a 5-4 loss and a sweep in Detroit. The team ended a disappointing road trip at 1-5.

Both managers, like others in baseball, often depend on multiple relievers. Statistics reveal that teams typically use 4.23 pitchers per game, a figure that has exceeded 4.11 since 2015. As starters pitch less and relievers throw faster, this trend isn’t reversing soon. Managers frequently face criticism for their bullpen management when outcomes are poor, receiving little praise when decisions succeed.

Craig Counsell, known for his bullpen expertise in Milwaukee with dependable closers like Josh Hader and Devin Williams, now faces scrutiny over his decisions regarding pitching changes. Will Venable has experienced less criticism due to the White Sox’s disappointing last season and low expectations for this year. However, as they enter an important series against the Cleveland Guardians, Venable’s strategies may face closer examination.

The Cubs and White Sox bullpens have shown inconsistency over the initial months of the 2026 season. Cubs relievers ranked 12th in the league with a 3.82 ERA but have worsened since early June, averaging a 4.94 ERA alongside five blown saves. Issues arose with the loss of closer Daniel Palencia, evident in Saturday’s performance by Trent Thornton, Caleb Thielbar, and Jacob Webb, who allowed eight runs in just 1 2/3 innings. Furthermore, the Cubs relievers hold the least number of holds, while the Sox rank second-to-last.

Cubs President Jed Hoyer reconstructed the bullpen this offseason. He let go of Brad Keller, their 2025 standout reliever, who joined the Philadelphia Phillies with a two-year, $22 million contract. Despite the Cubs’ offer, the Phillies suggested a better deal. The Cubs banked on Palencia to excel as a closer, and despite limited appearances due to injuries, he performed well. Free agent Phil Maton, signed on a two-year, $14 million agreement, hasn’t lived up to expectations similar to last year’s signing of Ryan Pressly. Injury-prone Hunter Harvey got injured early, and Jacob Webb has struggled.

“Back to the drawing board, figure some stuff out,” Webb remarked candidly.

A pivotal bullpen change saw Ben Brown transition to the starting rotation due to injuries. Although Brown excelled, his bullpen absence remains impactful. Counsell aims to improve the bullpen performance for potential postseason opportunities.

“Every season throws stuff at you, and you just got to roll with it, and you got to be ready for it, and you got to adjust,” Counsell stated after Saturday’s game.

Sunday’s match against the Blue Jays was postponed, now scheduled for August 6. The Cubs will face the New York Mets and later meet Milwaukee for crucial matches.

Sox relievers placed 18th with a 4.26 ERA. Venable employed an opener 15 times, impacting bullpen statistics. The team has fared better at home compared to on the road. Similar to Hoyer, White Sox GM Chris Getz revamped the bullpen post-2025. He signed Seranthony Domínguez for two years at $20 million, acquired Jordan Hicks from the Red Sox, and added veteran Sean Newcomb.

Domínguez and Hicks joined with funds from trading Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 million salary to the Mets. Hicks battled with inconsistencies and injuries, recently returned from the IL. Domínguez has accumulated 12 saves but struggles with control and home-run prevention.

In Sunday’s matchup, Domínguez failed post two-out success in the ninth, conceding three straight singles to blow the save. Venable’s bullpen strategy includes leveraging Grant Taylor, Bryan Hudson, Domínguez, and Newcomb’s effectiveness. Taylor shows promise as a closer with potential starter capabilities. Newcomb excelled in three perfect innings Saturday, suitable for starter consideration pending need.

The return of Noah Schultz from injury at Triple-A Charlotte may fill the fifth starter role. Meanwhile, Venable is increasingly using openers except for Davis Martin’s outings, as mixed results continue. Thursday’s bulk starter Sean Burke impressed against the Yankees, whereas Erick Fedde followed opener Brandon Eisert’s deficit on Friday.

“The players’ reactions, as we’ve done it more, have been more open to it, and that’s really where it starts,” Venable noted.

Fedde, experienced as a bulk pitcher in seven of fifteen appearances, diplomatically expressed comfort.

“Honestly, I try not to think too much about it,” Fedde stated. “It kind of is what it is. Yeah, I’m just going to keep giving it my best each opportunity I get the ball.”

Despite pitching well recently, Fedde remains wary, given a one-year, $1.5 million agreement limiting protest leverage. Venable’s view on openers aligns with optimizing starter performance, essential for Sox contention goals.

Managing under Chicago’s intense baseball interest isn’t conditional, as Counsell understands well.