(670 The Score) The Cubs went 19-8 in May, which was the best record in the National League for the month. That streak has lifted them to first place in the NL Central, a half-game ahead of the Cardinals entering play Tuesday.
The Cubs have surged despite being plagued by health problems, as their injured list has now grown to 12 players. A key factor in the team’s success has been its organizational depth, as little-known players have been stepping up. The latest example was infielder Patrick Wisdom homering twice in the Cubs’ 7-2 win against the Padres at Wrigley Field on Monday afternoon.
“We have bought into the next-man-up mentality here,” Wisdom said. “The guys in the clubhouse welcome you with open arms and make you feel like you have been here five years. That certainly adds to the comfortability of being here. That allows you to relax and be yourself.”
Wisdom has been called upon as starting second baseman Nico Hoerner (hamstring) and infielder Matt Duffy (back) are on the injured list, and he has risen to the occasion. He’s hitting .467 with a 1.633 OPS in seven games. Cubs infielders have been receiving more opportunity as usual third baseman Kris Bryant has shifted to the outfield and now first base with Jason Heyward, Jake Marisnick and Anthony Rizzo among those dealing with injuries.
Outfielder Rafael Ortega is another Cub who has received plenty of playing time recently with Heyward and Marisnick out. He’s just 3-of-20 at the plate but did homer in a win Saturday.
“You learn to play hard in March with no one in the stands or right now with a big crowd,” Ortega said through a translator. “Normally in baseball, it's about opportunities and showing off what they can do. I have been blessed to have this opportunity with the Cubs to show them what I can do right now.”
The Cubs’ depth has really been on display in their bullpen, which is among baseball’s best. Keegan Thompson (0.52 ERA in 17 1/3 innings) and Justin Steele (2.03 ERA in 13 1/3 innings) have both been fantastic, though Steele is currently nursing a hamstring strain. Tommy Nance has also been superb, as he’s unscored upon with a 0.60 WHIP in 6 2/3 innings this season.
Their contributions have been crucial as the Cubs’ starting rotation didn’t go deep into games in April, which led to the bullpen getting taxed. That’s just something the Cubs have learned to deal with this season.
“I guess the injuries are what baseball had in store for itself this year,” manager David Ross said. “You now get text messages from the doctor at 2 in the morning and get on the phone with Jed (Hoyer) to figure out who can be called up and help us out the most.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.