Cubs Struggle with Offensive Woes Despite Lineup Changes

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell sought to invigorate his team amid an ongoing offensive slump. Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field, Counsell adjusted the lineup. He rested Ian Happ, the longest-serving player, due to his recent struggles, and kept new prospects on the bench initially. Yet, the Cubs faced a familiar outcome, losing 3-0 to extend their losing streak to seven games and a record of 11 losses in 13 games. They have now lost five straight series.

“I’m sure it’s going to happen a few times this year,” said Pete Crow-Armstrong, Saturday’s leadoff hitter, about the lineup changes. “I appreciate Craig’s willingness to shake it up, and he’s got a good lineup to do that with. We’re just looking to capitalize better than we’ve been doing.” Crow-Armstrong expressed his perspective after the loss.

Manager Counsell addressed the lineup changes after Friday’s defeat, acknowledging the team’s need for a new approach. He suggested that the lineup alterations, although significant, aimed at offering players a different perspective. “Shake-up was probably the thing we were after,” Counsell explained, emphasizing the attempt to provide a fresh outlook.

Unfortunately, the results were lacking. The Cubs’ offense remained stifled during their current 2-11 stretch. They managed only three hits, without any at-bats with runners in scoring positions, and only one player advanced past first base. On Friday, the Cubs failed to get a hit with nine opportunities for runners in scoring positions and stranded 11 runners. Saturday saw even fewer opportunities.

With Christian Walker’s two home runs against starter Colin Rea, the Astros built a three-run lead by the third inning. Counsell noted, “Anytime you get seven innings from your starter, you’re thinking you’re in pretty good shape. But right now, what we’re doing offensively, it’s too much.” The top eight hitters in the new lineup were hitless, despite Nico Hoerner and Moisés Ballesteros drawing walks.

Dansby Swanson’s pop-up in the third secured the Cubs’ first hit, advancing to third on Crow-Armstrong’s single. However, an attempted steal by Crow-Armstrong ended their best chance to score. Still, Counsell and the team weren’t overly worried about the two-week slump. “The challenge is to stay with that stuff when you’re not getting results,” Counsell indicated, maintaining faith in the team’s abilities.

In addition to the lineup changes, the Cubs called up outfielder Kevin Alcántara from Triple-A Iowa and designated infielder Nicky Lopez for assignment. A day earlier, they called up infield prospect Pedro Ramírez due to Matt Shaw’s 10-day injured list stint. Both Alcántara and Ramírez entered the game as pinch hitters but were unable to change the outcome.

Alcántara remained optimistic, stating, “Honestly, I’m going to be ready for any moment that they give me an opportunity to help the team.” He expressed willingness to motivate and support his teammates in the clubhouse.

Ultimately, the Cubs’ players understand they must step up on the field to break the offensive drought and return to winning. “I don’t really think there’s many adjustments that need to be made from anybody’s process or swing,” Crow-Armstrong said, acknowledging the team’s recent dry spell. “Most of the time, that’s really good for us and that works for us.”