Cubs Exercise Caution with Crow-Armstrong as Playoff Push Intensifies
The Chicago Cubs are making a strong case for a postseason run, currently perched atop the National League wild card standings and holding a five-game edge over the New York Mets, who occupy the third wild card spot. While the Cubs’ playoff prospects look promising, they have yet to officially secure a berth as of September 8. As the final stretch of the regular season unfolds, the team faces the delicate task of balancing player availability with the risk of further injuries.
Monitoring Crow-Armstrong’s Health
One player under careful scrutiny is Pete Crow-Armstrong. Although he is not on the injured list, the young star’s recent encounter with a foul pitch to the knee has raised concerns. The team is committed to ensuring that he does not exacerbate any issues as they gear up for October.
Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reported on Crow-Armstrong’s positive demeanor following the incident, noting that he provided a reassuring thumbs-up while navigating the Wrigley Field clubhouse the day after the injury. This optimistic outlook contrasted sharply with the team’s cautious approach to his recovery.
Manager’s Cautious Approach
Cubs manager Craig Counsell echoed the sentiment of caution as the team faced another matchup against the Nationals, where they suffered a 6-3 defeat. “PCA came in actually feeling pretty good,” Counsell said, emphasizing the importance of monitoring Crow-Armstrong’s condition. “He’s still a little sore today, but we’re going to get him moving around today, which is a good sign. We’ll see how that feels.”
The Cubs are acutely aware of the stakes involved as they inch closer to the playoffs. The last thing they need is to risk the health of their All-Star center fielder.
A Welcome Return to Action
Fortunately for the Cubs, news regarding Crow-Armstrong’s health took a positive turn on Monday. He is set to rejoin the starting lineup as a designated hitter, bringing with him an impressive season record that includes 28 home runs, 85 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, a .254 batting average, and a .789 OPS. His presence is expected to provide a significant boost to the Cubs’ offense as they prepare to face off against the formidable Atlanta Braves in a three-game series.
As the playoff picture becomes clearer, the Cubs remain committed to managing their roster judiciously, ensuring that their key players, especially those recovering from injuries, are primed and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
