It has been quite a week for the Chicago Cubs as they have propelled themselves from last in the NL Central to second, a measly half game back from the Cincinnati Reds, amidst a pitching crisis that no manager wants to deal with. With key pitchers like Matthew Boyd (returning tonight), Cade Horton, Daniel Palencia, and Phil Maton (amongst others) all on the injured list , one would likely guess that the pitching staff has not been doing so hot. That couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, the pitching staff has been posting unbelievable numbers, with a 1.88 ERA during the ballclub's 7-game win streak, which is hard to fathom given that Craig Counsell is struggling just to get healthy bodies on the mound. Shōta Imanaga's 10th and 11th Ks. pic.twitter.com/9Z7Rov5gja — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 16, 2026 It isn't just the defense that is firing on all cylinders, but the bats have finally gotten going as well.…