DETROIT -- When a pitcher is already struggling, then delivers another rotten outing, a manager will typically hold off on making any definitive statements about future plans.
After Drew Smyly's poor performance Tuesday in his return to the starting rotation, Cubs manager David Ross didn't wait.
"Well, who takes his spot in the rotation is the big question," Ross said after an 8-6 loss in Detroit. "He's in there because we're a little short-handed right now. It's his first start back. Let's give him a little bit of grace and I don't know that we have anybody waiting in line that we feel like is some dominant force."
Smyly gave up 8 hits, 7 earned runs and 3 walks in less than 4 innings. In his last eight starts before going to the bullpen, he posted a 9.00 ERA, so this was even worse. While working out of the bullpen, though, Smyly tossed 3 scoreless innings, which suggested he might be on the right track.
But his pitch placement was clearly off against the Tigers. He gave up a first-inning home run to second baseman Andy Ibanez on a pitch that couldn't have been more in the center of the plate using a compass and protractor.
Ibanez launched another home run in the fourth off another Smyly curve ball; this was a 3-run shot that put the Tigers ahead for good. The multi-home run game was a career first for the Cuba native, who was claimed off waivers from Texas last November.
"I just think they came out very aggressive tonight, had a good approach," Smyly said. "My command wasn't very good. I wasn't that aggressive. They put a few runs up early, then in the fourth inning, I just got tired."
The Cubs are in a bind now that Marcus Stroman is out indefinitely with a rib cartilage fracture. If anyone would be brought in to take Smyly's spot, the most obvious candidate seems to be 2021 first-round pick Jordan Wicks. In his last four starts at Triple A Iowa, the left-hander has a 2.29 ERA.
The Cubs also have veteran right-hander Shane Green, 34, at Iowa. He threw 5 scoreless innings at Indianapolis on Tuesday. An all-star in 2019, Greene pitched in one game for both the Dodgers and Yankees last year, then signed with the Cubs on June 25.
"I'd love to pitch better," Smyly said. "The team needs me. I need to pitch better. These games should be fun and they're meaningful. I just have to play better."
Detroit starter Reese Olson said after the game he thought he had his best stuff of the season Tuesday. The Cubs didn't have a hit against Olson until Dansby Swanson cranked a 2-run homer in the fourth inning. Former Tiger Jeimer Candelario added a 2-run homer two batters later and the Cubs surged into a 4-3 lead.
The Tigers got the 4 runs back in the bottom of the inning, thanks in part to Ibanez' second homer. Swanson's 2-run single in the fifth brought the Cubs within 7-6, but that's as close as they got.
"We got some big hits, but weren't able to get that crushing blow to come back," Ross said. "It's hard, you get a 4-spot and fall right back (in the bottom of the inning). That can be crushing and these guys fought hard the rest of the game. We keep playing baseball like that, we'll get better pitching. Drew's going to be better."
Hayden Wesneski did a nice job of keeping the Cubs within striking distance. He struck out ex-Cubs Zack Short and Zach McKinstry with a runner on third in the fifth inning. Then Wesneski caught a rocket line drive for the third out in the sixth, on what might have been an RBI single by Jake Rogers.
Daniel Palencia threw a perfect inning, but Jose Cuas gave up a run in the eighth on two walks and two hit batters.
Twitter: @McGrawDHSports