Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell sought to revive his team amid a recent offensive slump by rearranging his lineup. Prior to Saturday’s game against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field, Counsell benched long-time player Ian Happ and withheld newly promoted prospects from starting. The altered lineup didn’t yield better results, as the Cubs suffered a 3-0 defeat, marking their seventh consecutive loss and 11th in 13 games. They’ve lost five straight series during this period.
After the defeat, leadoff hitter Pete Crow-Armstrong commented on the lineup changes, appreciating Counsell’s willingness to try something new. “Wherever I fall in the lineup, wherever anybody falls in the lineup, we’re just looking to capitalize a little bit better than we’ve been doing,” Crow-Armstrong said.
Counsell indicated possible lineup changes following Friday’s loss, acknowledging the necessity given the team’s performance. His adjustments included moving Nico Hoerner from his usual leadoff position to fourth and giving Crow-Armstrong his first start in the leadoff spot this season. Michael Conforto replaced Happ in left field, batting fifth. Counsell aimed for a shake-up but admitted, “Not a lot of thought.”
The Cubs offense remained ineffective during the current 2-11 stretch. They managed just three hits and no at-bats with runners in scoring position, advancing only one baserunner beyond first base. Friday’s previous game highlighted similar struggles, as the team had nine scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize. Christian Walker’s two homers created an insurmountable lead by the Astros early in the game.
Despite seven solid innings from starter Colin Rea, Counsell lamented the offensive challenges. The lineup’s first eight batters produced no hits, with Hoerner and designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros securing walks but failing to advance. Dansby Swanson achieved the Cubs’ first hit with a pop-up, followed by Crow-Armstrong’s single, but a failed steal attempt ended the Cubs’ biggest scoring chance.
While acknowledging the team’s slump, Counsell remained optimistic. “We’ve struggled as a team for two weeks, and while frustrating, it’s still two weeks. We’re going to come out of this. It’s going to be fine,” he expressed. Players would need to endure temporary discomfort to overcome the slump.
Beyond lineup changes, the Cubs recalled outfielder Kevin Alcántara, designated infielder Nicky Lopez, and promoted infield prospect Pedro Ramírez following Matt Shaw’s injury. Both prospects appeared as pinch hitters, with Alcántara striking out and Ramírez grounding out.
Alcántara expressed readiness to support the team in any role. “Not just doing something on the field, but any personal motivation in the clubhouse,” he stated. The team recognizes their responsibility to overcome the offensive dry spell.
Ultimately, players understand their performance is crucial. “I don’t really think there’s many adjustments that need to be made from anybody’s process or swing,” Crow-Armstrong commented. He noted that dry spells occur in baseball even with strong lineups, reminding teammates to find peace in consistent hard work.