Cubs need more offensive production from their catchers

‘‘Big-league at-bats for Miguel are a great teacher right now,’’ manager Craig Counsell said. ‘‘At his experience level, he will improve. But, like I said earlier, we need improved offense from our catchers. There’s no question about it.’’

Cubs catcher Yan Gomes is hit by a pitch during the fifth inning of Friday's game against the Reds at Wrigley Field. — Cubs catcher Yan Gomes is hit by a pitch during the fifth inning of Friday’s game against the Reds at Wrigley Field. The Cubs know they need more offensive production from their catchers.

Entering their three-game series Friday, the Cubs were aware they had to limit the Reds’ effectiveness on the bases.

Speed plays into the Reds’ offensive strategy. They entered play Friday with the second-most stolen bases in the majors (85), and the Cubs knew limiting their attempts would take a team effort from their pitchers and catchers.

‘‘We all bear responsibility and a part in it,’’ manager Craig Counsell said before the game. ‘‘Catchers, pitchers, coaches — we all have a part in that. There’s also, like . . . you’re not going to win on some guys. You’re not going to win on shortstop Elly De La Cruz. The best way [is to] keep him off base. The league is not winning against him.’’

Entering play Friday, the Cubs had allowed the eighth-most stolen bases in the majors (47) and had caught only eight baserunners stealing, according to Fangraphs.

‘‘[The Reds are] really good at stealing bases, and that’s what they’re going to do,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘Your job is to do the best you can to mitigate it. [And don’t] let it completely affect the other thing, which is more important, and that’s getting the guy out.’’

Catcher production

Cubs catchers have struggled offensively this season. Whether it’s Miguel Amaya or Yan Gomes, the production has been lacking.

The drop-off for Gomes has been striking after he delivered a strong performance last season, slashing .267/.315/.408 in 116 games. His decreased playing time and age (36) might be playing a role in the diminished production. Amaya has assumed the bulk of the catching responsibilities.

Counsell said the Cubs need more production from their catchers, but he indicated he hadn’t noticed any physical decline from Gomes.

‘‘[It’s] the swing decisions he’s struggled with a little bit so far,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘The consistency of the playing time may contribute to that a little bit, but it’s also a job that you’ve got to be able to do.’’

There was hope that Amaya would build off his first taste of the majors last season. His bat was considered ahead of his defensive skills, but he put in the time to improve behind the plate.

Catchers need to build a rapport with pitchers and be able to call a game and collaborate with coaches. But that spot can’t be an automatic out in the lineup, given the minimal defensive value Gomes and Amaya are providing.

‘‘I think Miggy has gone through a couple of different phases here,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘He’s gone through an unlucky phase, gone through a chasing phase, missing pitches to hit. We’ve seen a couple of long at-bats with just a bunch of foul balls. There’s some pitches to hit in those cases, and [he’s] just not squaring them up.

‘‘Big-league at-bats for Miguel are a great teacher right now. At his experience level, he will improve. But, like I said earlier, we need improved offense from our catchers. There’s no question about it.’’