Giants' Jeff Samardzija: Lasts only four innings against old Cubs mates

Samardzija pitched just four innings Thursday against the Cubs, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks. He didn't receive a decision in the eventual 5-4 loss.

Analysis:

He came in on a streak of three straight quality starts, but few pitchers have enjoyed much success against this Chicago lineup. In two career starts against the Cubs -- who drafted him in 2006 and went on to employ him in the majors from 2008 to 2014 -- Samardzija has been blown up for nine runs in 10 innings. He somehow managed to throw 87 pitches in four frames Thursday, leading to the early exit. Fantasy owners who drafted Samardzija thinking that the move to San Francisco would stimulate him have not been rewarded for their faith, as his 4.06 ERA and 1.22 WHIP aren't very helpful fantasy stats, while his strikeout rate has continued falling. The righty's now at 6.75 K/9, well shy of his glory days from 2011 to 2013, when he averaged more than a whiff per inning.