Cubs' Defense Falters as Mookie Magic Strikes Again in Los Angeles

The Cubs' Fielding Woes Continue

The Chicago Cubs have gotten off to a rough start defensively in the 2023 season. In a recent game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki failed to catch a routine fly ball in the blinding sunlight at Dodger Stadium. The flub led to a 2-RBI double for Dodgers star Mookie Betts in a sequence that encapsulated the Cubs' early-season fielding difficulties.

Suzuki Loses Fly Ball in the LA Sun

In the bottom of the third inning, with two runners on base and no outs, Betts skied a ball to right field that by all appearances should have been an easy out. However, Suzuki struggled to track the ball as it sailed into the late-afternoon Southern California sunlight beaming through the open gaps between the upper deck at Dodger Stadium.

Suzuki raced back toward the warning track, but the ball disappeared into the blinding sunlight and glanced off his glove before landing safely on the outfield grass. Both baserunners scored easily as Betts strolled into second base with a double — his second run-batted-in of the young game thanks to some "Mookie Magic."

The Key Play in Another Cubs Loss

Betts’ gift double not only padded the Dodgers’ lead, but it also opened up the floodgates to another big offensive showing for the defending NL West champs against the Cubs’ lackluster pitching staff. It was a key momentum shift that paved the way for an 8-3 Los Angeles victory.

The final score marked the Cubs’ third consecutive loss to start the season. More concerning than the results, though, has been the team’s uncharacteristically sloppy defensive play over the first series-and-a-half.

Defense Emerging as An Early Weakness

Despite their recent postseason struggles, the Cubs took pride in strong fundamentals during their World Series-winning 2016 campaign and subsequent playoff runs. Lately, however, the defense has cracked, culminating in painful sequences like Suzuki’s missed opportunity on Betts' ball.

Uncharacteristic Miscues

Over the first ten games of 2023, Cubs fielders have already committed 10 errors leading to eight unearned runs. The pace puts them on track to nearly triple last season's error total and undo a decade's worth of defensive progress.

In addition to the official scoring miscues, Chicago's gloves have failed them in more subtle ways at times. Besides Suzuki's misplay in the California sunlight, other balls have fallen just beyond outstretched gloves or glanced off the edges of mitts when more crisp fielding might have made the difference in close contests.

Inconsistent Pitching Adding Stress

While the defense shoulders blame, the pitching staff has done little to aid their cause. The Cubs’ team ERA sits well over 6.00 in the early going, frequently putting fielders under stress with constant traffic on the bases.

The bullpen, in particular, has had trouble stranding inherited runners, allowing over 75% to eventually score. Those extra baserunners add up and increase the pressure to be perfect in the field — a difficult standard the Cubs have so far failed to meet.

Hoping to Turn the Tide

With over 150 games remaining, the Cubs have plenty of time to reverse their early-season struggles, both at the plate and in the field. The talent and track record are there across the roster.

Help May Be on the Way

In the meantime, team leadership hopes players like Suzuki and Betts serve as reminders to tighten up fundamentals. Executives also continue monitoring veteran free agents like Elvis Andrus as potential stopgap upgrades.

Until then, Manager David Ross will preach eliminating unforced errors and doing the little things well as keys to getting the Cubs’ season back on track after this frustrating start full of improbable baseball moments like Mookie Betts’ captain luck shining through at the Cubs' expense once again.

FAQs

Why has the Cubs' defense been so poor in 2023?

The Cubs have already committed 10 errors in their first 10 games, putting them on pace to nearly triple last season's total. In addition to errors, there have been misplays on balls that were arguably catchable as well. The inconsistent pitching staff has also put extra stress on the defense by allowing a lot of baserunners.

What happened on Mookie Betts' 2-RBI double?

Betts hit a fly ball to right field that should have been caught for an out. However, Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki lost the ball in the bright sunlight at Dodger Stadium and failed to make the catch. Both runners scored, giving Betts a gift 2-RBI double.

How did the Cubs lose to the Dodgers?

Betts' double was the turning point in an 8-3 Dodgers win. It opened up the floodgates to another big offensive showing by Los Angeles. The loss was the Cubs' third in a row to open the 2023 season.

What do the Cubs need to improve upon?

The Cubs mainly need to clean up their defensive play and limit unforced errors. The pitching staff also needs greater consistency to avoid putting extra pressure on the defense. Tightening up fundamentals could go a long way towards getting the Cubs’ season on track.