Cubs face Braves as Pete Crow-Armstrong aims to end slump with bat in hand
The Chicago Cubs are looking to regain their footing as they prepare to face a struggling Atlanta Braves team in a three-game series starting Monday. Despite recent challenges, the Cubs are still in the hunt for the top spot in the NL Central, where they are vying against the Milwaukee Brewers, who currently hold the best record in baseball. With an NL Wild Card spot looking increasingly likely, the Cubs are eager to capitalize on this opportunity.
Pete Crow-Armstrong returns to the lineup
In a boost for the Cubs, outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is set to return to the lineup after missing a game due to a knee contusion. Just hours before the first pitch, the Cubs announced that the promising 23-year-old will take the field as the designated hitter, batting cleanup in the order.
Crow-Armstrong suffered the injury when he hit a foul ball off his knee during the Cubs’ 2-1 loss to the Washington Nationals on Saturday, leading to his replacement by Kevin Alcantara. While Kyle Tucker remains sidelined as he manages a calf injury, Crow-Armstrong’s return is seen as a vital addition to the lineup.
Aiming to bounce back from a tough month
The young outfielder is eager to turn around a difficult stretch at the plate. In August, Crow-Armstrong struggled significantly, finishing the month with a .160 batting average and a .216 on-base percentage, managing just one home run. However, his season statistics offer a brighter perspective: he boasts a .254 batting average, a .293 on-base percentage, and an impressive .496 slugging percentage. Additionally, with 28 home runs and 85 RBIs to his name, Crow-Armstrong has accumulated a 6.3 WAR, highlighting his potential impact on the game.
As the Cubs look to shake off their recent woes against the Braves, all eyes will be on Crow-Armstrong to see if he can harness his powerful bat and help spark the team back into winning form.
