UPDATE: Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will sit out his second consecutive game today, September 6, 2023, as manager Craig Counsell emphasizes the need for a crucial “physical and mental” break due to the player’s recent struggles. This decision comes amid a challenging second half of the season where Crow-Armstrong has been unable to find his stride.
The 23-year-old athlete was not included in the starting lineup against the Atlanta Braves after making a late defensive appearance in Tuesday’s game. With the Cubs set to have a day off on Thursday, this break allows Crow-Armstrong a full three days to reset before his next start. “We’re giving him a real break,” Counsell confirmed before Wednesday’s series finale against the Braves. “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.”
Crow-Armstrong’s performance since the All-Star break has been less than stellar, boasting a batting average of just .212 and an OPS of .624. His struggles have intensified over the past month, where he has managed only a .163 average with five extra-base hits and five walks against a staggering 29 strikeouts since August 1. “I looked at this early in the road trip, thinking where could we get Pete a break,” Counsell noted.
During the Cubs’ recent nine-game trip, the last six games took place in expansive stadiums in San Francisco and Denver, where Crow-Armstrong had to cover significant ground in the outfield. He ended the trip with a disappointing 6-for-35 performance, prompting the team to prioritize his well-being.
In Crow-Armstrong’s absence, Willi Castro will take over center field for the matchup against the Braves, while designated hitter Seiya Suzuki steps into right field following an injury to Kyle Tucker, who left Tuesday’s game due to calf tightness. Counsell indicated that an update on Tucker’s condition would be provided before Friday’s game against the Washington Nationals.
Additionally, newly acquired switch hitter Carlos Santana is set to make his first start with the Cubs, filling in as designated hitter in Suzuki’s place.
As the Cubs look to navigate the final stretch of the season, today’s lineup changes and Crow-Armstrong’s much-needed break may be pivotal in revitalizing the team’s performance. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this strategic decision pays off in the coming weeks.