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Top MLB Writer Sounds Alarm on Ryan Pressly After Ugly Loss to Giants

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated May 7, 2025 12:17 PM ET

With the game tied at five heading into the 11th inning, it feels like a sure bet to turn to the closer to keep it there.

The Giants and Cubs were deadlocked in the 11th, and the Cubs brought in closer Ryan Pressly, who entered with a 2.08 ERA and four saves for the NL-Central leading Northsiders.

In an ugly turn of events, however, Pressly failed to record an out and gave up nine runs, eight earned as the Cubs fell to the Giants 14-5.

Following the loss, Eno Sarris, a writer for The Athletic, pointed out an underlying stat for Pressly that could be a cause for concern in Wrigleyville.

Sarris pointed out that among relievers with three or more saves, Pressly is tied for the second-worst Stuff+ with Tigers closer Tommy Kahnle. Rangers closer Luke Jackson, who has eight saves and a 6.00 ERA, has the worst Stuff+ among relievers in this category.

"It's all on me," Pressly said after the game. "I didn't do my job."

Pressly has seen a decline in his fastball velocity, which has turned into more of a cutter. A tough turn of events like what happened on Tuesday seemed inevitable, as Pressly's expected ERA is 6.38, which is in the sixth percentile per Baseball Savant.

Pressly's curveball, which he throws roughly 26% of the time, has been a huge weapon with opponents hitting .111 on it. However, his fastball has a .353 batting average and .529 slugging in 2025.

With their nine run-differential in Tuesday's game, the Giants now are tied for the fifth largest extra-inning win over the last 125 seasons, per Sarah Langs.

Elias Sports Bureau also pointed out that the Giants' nine runs in the 11th are the most in an extra inning in franchise history (since their debut in 1883).

If the Cubs are to continue contending for the number one seed in the National League, they'll need Pressly to be more reliable.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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