Stroman is Chicago Cubs' Biggest Question Mark After Trade Deadline

Marcus Stroman's inconsistent play has turned him into the Chicago Cubs' biggest question marks after the trade deadline.

It's been nothing but pure excitement on the Chicago Cubs front after the team got hot enough for the front office to not wave the white flag and sell off their parts at the trade deadline.

Ace pitcher Marcus Stroman was one of the pieces who could have potentially been moved. With the Cubs now eyeing the playoffs, they decided to hold onto him for the stretch run.

Throughout April, May and June, he was one of the top pitchers in baseball, posting a sub 3.00 ERA in each of those months.

Now, according to MLB.com, he's one of the biggest question marks for Chicago going forward this season.

Across his last seven starts, Stroman has posted a 9.00 ERA and been moved to the 15-day IL with right hip inflammation.

"It has been a tough showing that dates back to Stroman’s early exit in his London Series start on June 25 due to a blister on his pitching hand, though Stroman said Wednesday he thinks the hip issue is behind his recent struggles," Cubs beat writer Jordan Bastian wrote.

The offense has been utterly ridiculous and has masked many of the pitching issues that have come up in recent games. Pitching will have to be a big piece of the equation if they do want to make the playoffs.

Bastian added, "Stroman, who expects to only miss one start, spun a 2.28 ERA in his first 16 outings and made the All-Star team. That is the pitcher the North Siders need again for the stretch run."