Embattled Chicago Cubs Closer Credits Ian Happ for His Turnaround

On May 9, Chicago Cubs reliever Ryan Pressly was humbled in front of the fans at Wrigley Field.

The 36-year-old closer, who was supposed to be their answer in the ninth inning, found himself lit up like a Christmas tree against the San Francisco Giants. He gave up five hits, nine runs (eight earned) and a walk without recording an out in a 14-5 loss. It all happened in 26 pitches.

Pressly’s ERA went up from 2.08 to 7.62 in one game. It was like nothing he had ever experienced.

More News: Dynamic Cubs Slugger Shockingly Left Off Recent Hitter Power Ranking

Turning to teammates can be a source of help throughout a season. Typically, hitters lean on other hitters. Pitchers lean on other pitchers.

But, after getting worked over by the Giants, Pressly took a different approach. He went to a Cubs hitter, Ian Happ, for help.

The ask? A scouting report.

More News: Chicago Cubs Rookie Sensation Has Taken Defensive Leap Since Returning to MLB

“He’s already got a lot on his plate, and I added a little extra to see if he could help me and he did it,” Pressly told Marquee Sports earlier this week.

Happ eagerly went to work and gave Pressly a full report on what he was seeing out of the right-hander. It was the kind of report that hitters typically get on opposing pitchers, not one of their own.

But Pressly wanted to see what other hitters were thinking about him. Naturally, he wasn’t going to get those kinds of notes from opposing hitters.

More News: Chicago Cubs Should Attempt to Plunder Pirates For Pitching Help at Trade Deadline

Happ’s report was constructive, Pressly said. It gave him a different perspective on what he was doing on the mound.

“I wanted to see what hitters prepare for, because they get that on pitchers, right?” Pressly said. So, when I got his report on me, I could see what I was doing, tendencies and things like that. I was getting happy with one pitch, and we just have to make sure everything is mixed in.”

The results have been hard to ignore. While Daniel Palencia is handling more save chances, Pressly has turned things around, with Happ’s help. In 13 innings since the Giants game, he has allowed one run (unearned) and three walks while he has struck out 11. He has no ERA and has brought down his season ERA by four points.

The best part? He claimed his save since April 13 on Thursday against Pittsburgh.

It’s all because Pressly kept an open mind and had a teammate that wanted to help.

You’ve got to be humble or you’re going to get humbled,” Pressly said. “I was humbled in front of the Cubbie faithful. You take it with humility, build off of it, and build a good routine so you can get better.”

For more Cubs news, head over to Cubs On SI.

Related Posts

🚨 MLB INSIDE RESET: The White Sox’s newly assembled coaching staff is raising quiet but serious questions across the league, as subtle hires, shifted responsibilities, and a clear change in philosophy hint at a deeper organizational reset. What looks like routine restructuring on the surface may actually signal a long term plan that hasn’t been fully explained yet — and insiders believe the real impact will only become clear once the season pressure hits.

The Chicago White Sox have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 season following sweeping changes made at the end of September.

🚨 MLB INSIDE TRADE RUMBLINGS: The Braves are suddenly being linked to a bold trade for a $6 million NL rival left hander, a move insiders say could quietly solve multiple problems at once and even position him as a long term heir to Chris Sale. What looks like a low risk deal on paper may actually hide a far bigger plan, with Atlanta reportedly intrigued by a dynamic arsenal that hasn’t fully been unlocked yet — and the timing of this rumor is raising serious eyebrows across the league.

The Braves could go after a young star.

🚨 MLB INSIDE STORM BREWING: As hopes of an Alex Bregman return quietly fade, a new projection suggests the Red Sox may be preparing a jaw dropping $186 million swing for Bo Bichette, a move insiders believe could redefine Boston’s future in one bold stroke. What once seemed unrealistic is now gaining traction behind the scenes, and if this prediction turns real, the ripple effect could shock the AL East and completely change how this offseason is remembered.

A former MLB executive now believes that the Boston Red Sox will land coveted free agent infielder Bo Bichette from Toronto.

🚨 MLB INSIDE WHISPERS: Something big is quietly brewing behind closed doors in New York, as new projections hint the Yankees may be lining up an elite shortstop signing that goes far beyond a normal free-agency move. What started as a low-key prediction is now being viewed as a potential power shift, with insiders suggesting this decision could redefine the Yankees’ identity and force the entire American League to adjust sooner than expected.

The New York Yankees haven’t done much during the offseason, but MLB rumors continue to swirl. New York has been […]

Cubs Predicted To Land Marquee Free Agent Starting Pitcher On Six-Year Contract

The Cubs are in the market for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, and David Schoenfield of ESPN predicted them to land Framber Valdez, previously of the Houston Astros.

🚨 INSIDE NFL REVELATION: The Packers reportedly had a stunning opportunity to sign an all time great for just $5 million, yet chose to walk away without even making a free agent offer — a quiet decision that is now raising serious questions inside the fanbase and league circles alike. What seemed insignificant at the time is suddenly being revisited as a potential turning point, with insiders suggesting this missed move could have changed far more than anyone realized.

Green Bay missed an opportunity.