# Cubs’ bullpen problem is getting loud

> Another late collapse against Atlanta showed why Chicago’s October hopes may hinge on finding dependable relief arms fast.
- Title: Cubs’ bullpen problem is getting loud · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Another late collapse against Atlanta showed why Chicago’s October hopes may hinge on finding dependable relief arms fast. The Cubs can reach October with a…
- Keywords: cubs, braves, craig counsell, jacob webb, edward cabrera, wrigley field, bullpen meltdown, nl central, playoffs, relief pitching, atlanta, chicago
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/09/15/cubs-bullpen-braves-loss-jacob-webb-edward-cabrera-craig-counsell-playoffs
- Published: 2026-09-16T03:46:23.421+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: cubs, braves, craig counsell, jacob webb, edward cabrera, wrigley field, bullpen meltdown, nl central, playoffs, relief pitching, atlanta, chicago
## Race officially over
The Cubs were eliminated from the NL Central race on the same night their bullpen handed away a lead in a 6-3 loss to Atlanta.
## Counsell sounded blunt
Craig Counsell said Chicago cannot get through October unless several relievers become dependable, not just one or two.

> We’re not going to survive if we don’t have multiple guys we can count on
## Atlanta punished mistakes
Jacob Webb and Edward Cabrera each gave up two-run homers late, turning a tight game into another warning sign against a playoff-level lineup.
## October raises the stakes
Postseason games leave little room for shaky relief work. The Cubs have seen this flaw show up too often down the stretch.
## Ten games to decide
With 10 regular-season games left, Chicago still has to sort out which bullpen arms can be trusted when the matchups get sharper.
## Webb has slipped hard
Webb was once the summer’s go-to reliever, including a run of 24 straight scoreless outings. His September has looked nothing like that.
## One swing flipped it
Webb’s seventh-inning homer changed the game from a Cubs lead to a Cubs deficit. It was his fourth homer allowed in eight appearances.
## Cabrera got a test
Edward Cabrera returned from a long injured-list stint with blister trouble, and Chicago used him in relief to see if he could fit a playoff role.
## Mostly good, then costly
Cabrera covered 2 1/3 innings and did enough to intrigue. But his ninth-inning homer made a comeback much harder.
## The bats went quiet
The loss was not only on the bullpen. Chicago’s lineup managed three runs and five singles, then had its final 12 hitters retired in order.
## The weakness is clear
September has put the relief corps under a harsh light, especially since Webb allowed two late-August walk-off homers on the road.
## Twenty-seven outs matter
Counsell framed the fix simply: the Cubs need to finish games cleanly, with multiple relievers throwing well enough to protect slim leads.

> We’ve got to put together 27 outs
## Key takeaway

The Cubs can reach October with a strong roster, but they need more than one trusted reliever to survive postseason innings.