over the next few weeks. His last four outings have lasted only 5, 3.2, 5.1 and 5 innings respectively. During that span, his ERA was 8.53 – though perhaps a tad unlucky with a .410 BABIP. Chicago claims everything is fine but with little to play for, the Cubs can ill-afford to damage one of their few prized possessions. Samardzija is slated to start Wednesday vs. New York.
‘‘One thing that we’ve done with Jeff more so than anybody — and maybe it’s something we also have to look at — is he’s not been able to stay on that five-day rotation because we’re trying to watch pitches,’’ Bosio said. ‘‘And maybe that is a disservice to him. There’s a lot to be said for staying on a regular routine. But when you’re talking about a special talent like Jeff, it’s hard to have it both ways. Do I see a pattern? No. I see a guy, along with the rest of the guys on the starting staff, having challenging nights every time they go out there, which is major-league baseball.’’
