Mully & Haugh don't understand why Craig Counsell may keep struggling Hector Neris in the closer's role for the Cubs

(670 The Score) Score morning host David Haugh was shocked to hear that Cubs manager Craig Counsell may keep struggling reliever Hector Neris in the closer’s role.

Neris allowed three runs, including two earned, in blowing a save in the ninth inning of the Cubs’ 7-6 loss to the Giants on Monday at Wrigley Field. It marked the third straight appearance in which Neris has been scored upon, and it was the second time in a week that he blew a save with an implosion.

Despite those struggles, Counsell indicated after the game Monday that Neris will continue to be a primary option in the ninth inning.

“We’re always going to examine every best way to get 27 outs every day, and we’re going to need Hector to be a part of that,” Counsell said while adding that Neris has been "reliable."

In Haugh’s mind, Neris needs to fill a lower-leverage role, at least for a bit. Neris has a 4.73 ERA and 1.65 WHIP for the season.

“I wonder how many managers would take the same approach to this bullpen crisis, this closer issue that Craig Counsell has taken and voiced and reiterated,” Haugh said.

“Hector Neris has been terrible the last week. If this is a results-oriented business, his results merit being replaced. Period, end of story. This is not something you wait on. This is something you act on.”

Haugh pointed out that a hallmark trait of Counsell’s is patience, but he needs to shelve that in deciding how to use Neris.

“It’s inconsistent to think that in professional sports in a results-oriented business, a guy that has been as bad as he’s been the last week would be given another chance tonight or maybe tomorrow to do something that he hasn’t been able to do lately," Haugh said. "I think he needs a break. I think you need to change the dynamic a little bit, but it didn’t sound like that’s the approach they’re going to take with him.”