The Chicago Cubs suffered a tough loss against the Miami Marlins, falling 8-7 after leading late in the game. Despite a solid performance from the bullpen, they faltered when it mattered most. Closest Porter Hodgej was placed on the injured list, raising concerns about their bullpen depth. Daniel Palencia, the fill-in closer, faced a heavy workload and ultimately couldn’t secure the final outs, leading to the walk-off defeat. The Cubs' injury woes are mounting, further complicating their pitching strategy as they search for reliable arms in the wake of Hodgej's absence.

Ben Brown, starting for the Cubs, struggled, giving up six earned runs, which put the team at a disadvantage early on. The comparison to Justin Steele's early career highlights the growing pains of young pitchers in high-pressure situations. The Cubs are now contemplating roster changes to improve their bullpen depth and maintain their competitive standing in the division, especially with the St. Louis Cardinals breathing down their necks.