WATCH: Craig Counsell updates latest with Cubs

Tony Crumpton · Senior Editor · 7 hours ago

Cubs manager Craig Counsell spoke to the media ahead of first pitch from Wrigley Field discussing how pitcher Jameson Taillon's rehab outing went on Sunday, how the Cubs defense can help newly acquired pitcher Michael Soroka making his Cubs debut and much more.

Watch the pregame video below:

Video summary/cliff notes:

(00:00) Counsell says Jason’s outing went well — no calf issues, good pitch count, and the next step will be another start in Iowa.

(00:30) Soroka’s underlying (“expected”) numbers look better than his surface stats; Counsell believes the Cubs’ strong defense will help him perform well.

(00:57) Defense will be a key factor, but Soroka still needs to execute pitches; giving PCA the day off was partly due to facing a tough lefty and the team not hitting well lately.

(01:28) Counsell clarifies Soroka doesn’t need to be a ground-ball pitcher for defense to help — fly-ball pitchers also benefit from strong outfield play.

(01:48) Castro’s versatility has been valuable; he’s played three different positions in three days, which was part of why the Cubs wanted him.

(02:07) Managing player workload is important for August; versatility and switch-hitting make Castro a consistent fit in the lineup.

(02:42) Confirms Shota will start tomorrow despite some uncertainty around that decision.