The four-game set which just concluded on Thursday between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals was the first time these two historic rivals had met this season. Going into Monday’s opening game, the Cubs held a 4.5-game lead over St. Louis in the standings, with a record of 46-31 compared to the Cardinals’ 42-36. The series offered a compelling snapshot of the Cubs’ season – a blend of frustrating missteps, flashes of individual brilliance, and pivotal turning points that could well shape their trajectory as the summer progresses. While the Cardinals managed to take the first two games, the Cubs rallied impressively to secure the latter two, culminating in two decisive shutout victories scoring 11 runs over the last two games of the series. This split of the series, a 2-2 outcome, sets the immediate context for a deeper dive into the narratives that unfolded.
While a 2-2 split might appear balanced statistically, the progression of the series tells a more compelling story for the Cubs. They endured a tough opening loss and a frustrating second game, finding themselves in an 0-2 hole. Their subsequent victories, particularly the dominant 8-0 shutout in Wednesdays game, signify a significant in-series turnaround. This isn’t just a statistical split; it’s a narrative of resilience and in-series adjustment, suggesting the Cubs possess the mental fortitude to overcome adversity within a high-stakes rivalry. The way the team responded after being down, regrouping and delivering two strong performances, speaks volumes about their character and ability to bounce back when challenged.
The series kicked off with a challenging outing for young right-hander Ben Brown, a performance that perfectly encapsulated the phrase “forced to wear it.” In the opening game on Monday, June 23rd, Brown initially showed flashes of his promise, cruising through the first three innings. However, the wheels dramatically came off in the middle innings, as he surrendered four two-run homers. This disastrous performance led directly to a lopsided 8-2 loss for the Cubs.
This outing was the direct catalyst for the Cubs’ decision to option Brown to Triple-A Iowa. It was a swift, decisive move reflecting the immediate consequences of a rough outing at the big league level. Manager Craig Counsell, ever the optimist, offered a nuanced perspective on Brown’s demotion, framing it as a developmental opportunity rather than a punitive measure. Counsell hinted after the game that when a player struggles there’s growth. However, that’s not always true.
Evidence of it not being particularly true is the fact that his outing on Monday wasn’t entirely uncharacteristic for Brown, who has experienced “extreme ups and downs” this season. The data reveals a stark contrast in his performances: he’s had six games where he was charged with at least five runs, but also six games where he pitched at least five innings and allowed two runs or fewer. This inconsistency is a hallmark of a developing arm, indicating moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of struggle.
Brown’s demotion, despite his undeniable talent and occasional flashes of brilliance, is a classic example of the learning curve inherent to young MLB pitchers. The explicit mention of his “extreme ups and downs” reinforces that this is a common pattern for developing arms. Counsell’s comments about needing “space away from it” underscore that this demotion is a strategic investment in his long-term potential. It acknowledges that true growth and refinement often require a step back from the intense, unforgiving spotlight of the major leagues, allowing for focused development without immediate game pressure. This approach suggests a calculated move for long-term player development, rather than a definitive judgment on his talent.
The plan for Brown in Triple-A Iowa is clear: he will continue to make starts, though Counsell noted his workload might be reduced. Brown has already pitched 79 1/3 innings this season for Chicago, compared to just 55 1/3 in MLB last year due to injuries. Crucially, he’ll also be focusing on refining his changeup, a pitch he only introduced to his arsenal earlier this season.
It is also important to consider that Brown’s demotion wasn’t solely a reaction to his struggles; it was also a strategic move necessitated by the imminent return of ace Shota Imanaga from the injured list. Brown, given his recent inconsistencies, appeared to be “the most vulnerable arm”. This demonstrates how player health and roster logistics often create complex causal chains, where one player’s return directly impacts another’s immediate future, even if their performance is mixed. The decision to demote Brown was likely not a sudden, knee-jerk reaction to his Monday performance alone, but rather a pre-planned move that became feasible and necessary with Imanaga’s imminent return. This highlights the intricate balance teams must strike between player development, current performance, and overall roster health and depth.
In the second game of the series Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, widely regarded as one of the best defenders in baseball, made a rare and costly mental error. In the 4th inning, he tracked down a deep fly ball off the bat of Alec Burleson, making a smooth catch on the warning track. However, in a moment of lapsed concentration, he forgot how many outs there were and was ready to jog back to the dugout, thinking it was the final out of the frame.
The immediate consequence was significant. Masyn Winn, who was on second base for the Cardinals, tagged up and was off and running as soon as Crow-Armstrong made the catch. By the time Crow-Armstrong realized his gaffe and hurriedly tried to get the ball back in, Winn was well on his way to scoring. This single, uncharacteristic mistake added a crucial run, pushing the Cardinals to an 8-5 lead in a game they ultimately won 8-7.
This blunder is one he can not ever make again especially considering how jarring it was since Crow-Armstrong is a player celebrated for his defensive excellence. This mental lapse underscores that baseball is not solely about physical prowess but also about unwavering mental focus and situational awareness. A momentary lapse in concentration, even from a top-tier player, can have immediate and tangible consequences on the game’s outcome, highlighting the immense pressure and precision required at the highest level. It humanizes the players and makes their occasional, relatable errors all the more impactful.
Despite the error, Crow-Armstrong has been a significant offensive contributor this season, with 21 homers and 24 stolen bases. He even had attempts at redemption later in that same game, including a failed bunt attempt in the 7th with runners on the corners and one out, and a single and stolen base in the 9th that set up a potential rally. While Jameson Taillon allowed multiple home runs in the game, Crow-Armstrong’s mental error was specifically highlighted and discussed by both the player himself and manager Craig Counsell after the game. All three suggested that mental errors, particularly those involving fundamental awareness like tracking outs, carry a psychological weight and narrative significance in high-stakes rivalry games compared to physical errors or simply being outplayed.
After Ben Brown’s struggles and subsequent demotion, the Cubs desperately needed a stabilizing force, and they got it with the highly anticipated return of Shota Imanaga. The left-hander had been on the injured list for nearly two months due to a left hamstring strain, but after a successful rehab start for Iowa, his return was a crucial moment for the Cubs’ rotation and the team’s morale.
Imanaga delivered beyond expectations in his comeback start. He pitched five masterful scoreless innings, allowing only one hit – a first-inning single to Masyn Winn, after which he retired 10 straight batters before his lone walk. He struck out three Cardinals and issued just one walk. This dominant performance provided the foundation for a crucial 3-0 victory for the Cubs, securing a split of the four-game series. Notably, this marked the first time all season the Cardinals had been shut out in back-to-back games.
Imanaga’s stellar outing immediately lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.54 and improved his record to 4-2, reaffirming why he was an All-Star last season as a rookie. While Imanaga was undoubtedly the star, it was a collective effort on the mound. Five Chicago pitchers combined to complete the three-hitter, with Daniel Palencia earning his eighth save in nine opportunities.
Imanaga’s dominant return was more than just a good statistical outing; it immediately stabilized the Cubs’ pitching rotation after Ben Brown’s struggles and provided a much-needed psychological boost to the entire team. His performance wasn’t just about getting a win; it was a statement that the Cubs’ pitching depth, particularly at the top, remains strong despite recent setbacks. This demonstrates how the return of a key player from injury can act as a powerful catalyst, shifting team morale and performance, and providing a sense of confidence that can ripple through the entire roster. His presence shifted the narrative from pitching vulnerability to a renewed sense of strength.
Here’s the thing, folks: Knowing Imanaga would return on Thursday allowed the Cubs to make the decision to option Brown on Tuesday without leaving a significant hole in the rotation. This illustrates a calculated and well-executed roster management strategy, where the team leveraged a returning ace to address a struggling young arm.
With that… The Cubs hold their 4.5-game lead over the Cardinals as they head to Houston where Kyle Tucker will be playing for the first time since being traded to the Cubs last winter.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!