Aug. 01--Starlin Castro experienced one of the most miserable months of his career, and the Chicago Cubs' offense batted only .222 in July.
Yet, they managed a 15-12 record largely on the strength of a pitching staff that posted a 3.39 ERA.
Castro, a three-time All-Star shortstop, and rookie Kris Bryant and David Ross endured rough months. The Cubs had a .303 on-base percentage and major league low .336 slugging percentage.
But the Cubs rebounded on the strength of pitchers Jake Arriera and Hector Rondon.
Here's a look at the July performances:
Batter performance
Fowler .275 batting average, .411 on-base percentage
Soler .253, 27 strikeouts
Rizzo .250, 18 strikeouts
A. Russell .244, 17 strikeouts
Denorfia .233, .270 on-base percentage
Coghlan .219
Castro .170, .202 slugging percentage, 21 strikeouts
Bryant .168, 37 strikeouts
Ross .160
Pitcher performance
Rondon 0.63 ERA, 3 saves, .167 oppponents' batting average
Lester 2-2, 1.66 ERA, 50 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings
Arrieta 4-1, 1.90 ERA, 44 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings
Grimm 2.16 ERA
Hendricks 1-1, 2.90
Strop 0-2, 3.09 ERA, 6 walks in 11 2/3 innings
Hammel 1-2, 4.03 ERA
Motte 4.09 ERA, 14 hits in 11 innings
J. Russell 6.00 ERA, .320 opponents' batting average
