Chicago Cubs major-league coach Jonathan Mota sat down with Moisés Ballesteros on Wednesday night to help him process some challenging news. The 22-year-old player learned that he would be optioned in place of outfielder Justin Dean. Mota, a fellow Venezuelan, offered support to the usually confident Ballesteros, reinforcing the Cubs’ message to help ease the blow.
“Of course, he was sad, bothered,” Mota explained. “That’s normal, because no one wants to be sent to the minor leagues.” The coach assured Ballesteros that his performance wasn’t the issue. Instead, the decision was about providing him with more playing opportunities that he could get by returning to the minors.
Ballesteros had started the year on a high note. On April 24, in Los Angeles, he was hitting .400 after going 2-for-4. But since then, his batting average dropped to .139 over 36 games. The Cubs decided it was more beneficial for Ballesteros to play regularly in the minors to regain his form.
Mota stated, “It wasn’t because of performance. It was because he needs to play, and right now, he’s not playing daily. He’s going to benefit from playing.”
In his absence, the Cubs showcased their offensive might with a 16-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The Cubs used a 12-batter rally in the bottom of the first inning to score seven times. Carson Kelly hit his second career grand slam during this rally, helping the team maintain their momentum.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted Ballesteros’ performance wasn’t sufficient to justify keeping him for designated hitter at-bats. He also mentioned that Ballesteros’ catching skills still need development, which could occur best in Triple A.
Starting pitcher Ben Brown delivered an effective performance with six innings, allowing only two runs. His MLB-best streak of 66.2 innings without surrendering a home run ended with a solo shot by George Springer. Brown’s current ERA stands at 1.85 over 68 innings this season, giving the Cubs’ injury-hit pitching staff a crucial boost.
Newly recalled outfielder Justin Dean also made an impact. Known primarily as a runner, Dean collected his first major-league hit with a three-run triple in the seventh inning. This significant hit came during a blowout that allowed him time in the field, offering Pete Crow-Armstrong a break.
For Dean, the hit was a personal milestone, capping off a memorable start with the Cubs. The 29-year-old shared his excitement, emphasizing how the moment would be cherished with his family.
Dean expressed, “I’m going to watch the video a couple of times and just feel the moment. Once I saw it land, I’m like, ‘Oh, there it is. That’s the first hit.'”
With a record of 6.5 average runs in their last eight games, the Cubs are showing strong signs of recovery from their earlier struggles in the season. Their recent performance signals a shift, marking improved play amid a tough earlier period.