It Might Be Time for the Chicago Cubs to Start Worrying About Smyly

Well, that is not what the Chicago Cubs or their fans expected from starter Drew Smyly on Monday. After a rough MLB Spring Training in which Smyly gave up 12 runs in 16.1 innings, he put up more of the same against the Cincinnati Reds Monday afternoon.

In just 4.2 innings pitched, Smyly gave up six earned runs. To the Reds. And now the Cubs sit at 1-3 on the young season.

Cincinnati first baseman Jason Vosler took full advantage of Smyly's struggles and blasted a three-run home run in the fifth inning, ending Smyly's afternoon.

It's not been a pretty sight these past few weeks.

What makes matters even more frustrating is that the Cubs offense, who has largely been silent to start the season, put up six runs of support. It was their best showing of the season so far.

‘‘Our offense scored a lot of runs, plenty to win a game,’’ Smyly said. ‘‘I just let us down tonight.’’

Succinct and accurate way to put it.

While it's still "early" we have been saying that for weeks now. First it was early in the spring, now it's early in the MLB season.

At some point Smyly will have to figure it out because in the current state, it's hard to trust him on the mound every fifth day.

Chicago has too many goals and too many plans this and subsequent seasons to allow these types of performances to fester.

Smyly has to be better, otherwise it really might be time to start worrying about how effective the 33-year-old can be moving forward.

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