WATCH: Craig Counsell updates Ian Happ and Javier Assad's injuries |
Tony Crumpton
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- 18 hours ago
Cubs manager Craig Counsell met with the media ahead of first pitch Monday night from Wrigley Field talking about the progress of Ian Happ, what he is noticing about Brad Keller pitching out of the bullpen and much more.
Check out the pregame video below: Video summary/cliff notes: (00:01) Craig Counsell says bullpen decisions don’t keep him up at night; daily availability dictates usage, and he prefers to let the game dictate moves rather than pre-plan. (00:53) Brad Keller has adjusted well to bullpen duties, handling high-leverage situations and first-time scenarios like entering with runners on base. (01:37) Ian Happ is “ramping up activity” after two days of little movement; the team is monitoring to determine if his issue is minor or more serious. (02:32) Counsell notes that if Happ’s symptoms persist, they’ll have to start addressing the situation more formally. (03:36) The team may consider using an opener again but hasn’t analyzed the White Sox series yet. (04:09) Colin Rea has performed well since entering the rotation, delivering quality starts and validating why the team acquired him. (04:40) A player (unnamed, possibly Rea) took a hard-hit ball to the leg, and the team is evaluating whether he’ll need time off. (05:26) There’s no firm “three-day” rule for bullpen use; each case is handled individually based on context and time in the season. (05:53) On hitters like the leadoff batter, Counsell prefers they maintain their approach rather than adjust specifically for the role. (06:04) Javier Assad has not started throwing yet, indicating he’s still in recovery.
