UPDATE: In a surprising move, Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will sit for a second consecutive game as the team faces the Atlanta Braves on September 6, 2023. Manager Craig Counsell is granting the 23-year-old a “physical and mental” break amid ongoing struggles, particularly in the latter half of the season.
Crow-Armstrong, who has been a key player for the Cubs, has seen a drastic drop in performance, hitting just .212 with a .624 OPS since the All-Star break. His struggles intensified over the past month, where he managed a mere .163 average with only five extra-base hits and a staggering 29 strikeouts against just five walks since August 1.
In a pre-game statement, Counsell emphasized the need for Crow-Armstrong to recharge. “We’re giving him a real break,” he said. “Just to give him a physical and mental break, and then going into the last 31⁄2 weeks of the season, hopefully a little bit refreshed.”
The Cubs are off Thursday, allowing Crow-Armstrong a full three days between starts. He last played defensively in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game but has struggled significantly during the Cubs’ recent road trip, going just 6-for-35 in the last six games.
Counsell noted that the decision for a break had been considered earlier in the trip. “As the road trip continued, it became apparent that we should use this opportunity to give him a break,” he explained. The final six games of the trip took place in spacious stadiums in San Francisco and Denver, where Crow-Armstrong was tasked with covering extensive ground in the outfield.
In Crow-Armstrong’s absence, super-utility player Willi Castro will take his place in center field against the Braves. Additionally, regular designated hitter Seiya Suzuki will start in right field, stepping in for Kyle Tucker, who exited Tuesday’s game due to tightness in his left calf. Counsell stated that an update on Tucker’s condition is expected before Friday’s match against the Washington Nationals.
Moreover, newly acquired switch hitter Carlos Santana will make his first start with the Cubs, taking on the designated hitter role, further emphasizing the urgency of the team’s lineup adjustments as they navigate critical games ahead.
As the Cubs prepare for their next challenges, all eyes will be on Crow-Armstrong to see if this break will lead to a much-needed reset in his performance. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this strategic timeout will impact the remainder of the season.
