Craig Counsell announces Pete Crow-Armstrong is out with injury

Tony Crumpton · Senior Editor · 17 hours ago

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke to media ahead of the series opener against the Kansas City Royals to discuss Pete Crow-Armstrong's minor injury, Ben Brown's return and more.

“He just banged it up (on a slide) and woke up and felt a little swollen,” Counsell said to reporters. “So, we’re just going to try to give him the day today and hopefully back in there tomorrow.”

Watch the interview below:

Video summary/cliff notes:

(00:00) Craig Counsell confirms Pete Crow-Armstrong is out of the lineup due to a bruised right knee, not just a routine day off.

(00:26) Pete banged his knee on a slide in the previous game, and it was swollen the next morning. The hope is he’ll be back tomorrow, but it depends on how he feels.

(00:58) On Ben Brown, Counsell says his short stint in Iowa was meant as a reset and also to give him some rest, as he only pitched twice in about 20 days.

(01:21) Ben had two efficient outings, no new pitches—just focusing on execution of his current pitch mix (mainly two pitches with a change-up).

(02:00) When asked about Ben's role, Counsell humorously calls him an "out-getter" and suggests he'll be used in bulk innings, not necessarily a defined role like starter or reliever.

(02:31) The injury to Pete likely occurred during the rundown slide, which appeared abnormal—indicating potential obstruction/blocking the bag.

(03:07) The outfield alignment adjustment includes leaving Ian Happ in place and putting Seiya Suzuki in center, who has been practicing there.

(03:29) On whether Ben will shift to a bullpen role due to the shorter season calendar, Counsell says no—they still see him as a starter due to current rotation needs.