Tommy Hottovy on struggling Adbert Alzolay: 'It’s just about going out and gaining confidence'

(670 The Score) The Cubs' plan for the closer's role changed early this season.

Struggling reliever Adbert Alzolay recently lost that job after entering the season as the team's closer, and he doesn't have a defined role in the bullpen. Even so, Alzolay found himself in the center of the Cubs' 4-2 loss to the Mets on Tuesday, as he allowed a go-ahead three-run homer in the sixth inning of a tie game. All three runs were unearned because of an earlier error by Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, but it was Alzolay's fifth home run allowed in 12 2/3 innings of work this season.

The 29-year-old Alzolay has a 3.55 ERA in 13 appearances and four blown saves this season. The Cubs recognize his issues, as pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told the Mully & Haugh Show on Wednesday morning.

“I mean, I think any time a guy goes through a rough patch, has some struggles, there’s always something going on,” Hottovy said. “There’s always something you can point the finger to and say, ‘OK, if we can fix these things or address these things, we feel confident he can get back on track.’” We were able to identify some things a little earlier in the year mechanically with Adbert that we felt were affecting his pitches, and he felt like he wasn’t seeing a lot of the same shapes that he was seeing in the past. We took that, worked on it and felt like we addressed it and he was in a better place. Now, it’s just about going out and gaining confidence.

“Unfortunately for Adbert, he has just paid for a few mistakes lately, and ultimately what it comes down to now is just execution, continue to get that consistent work, so that his execution can be at the level that he feels it needs to be to be successful in this league. You’ve seen him make two or three really good pitches, and then he leaves one over the plate and pays for it. That’s just not the Adbert we’ve seen in the past.

“It’s always tough when you’re going through these times, but you’re never alone in the process. His teammates have picked him up, his teammates are helping, his coaching staff is helping, it’s just about going out there, competing and getting that confidence back.”

The Cubs have turned to veteran right-hander Hector Neris as their closer in place of Alzolay.

The Cubs (18-12) visit the Mets (15-14) on Wednesday evening in the third game of a four-game series in New York. The game can be heard on 670 The Score and also on the Audacy app in the Chicagoland area.