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Cubs’ Ian Happ benching continues vs. Astros as Craig Counsell keeps mixing up lineup
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- Cubs’ Ian Happ benching continues vs. Astros as Craig Counsell keeps mixing up lineup
Cubs' Ian Happ benching continues vs. Astros as Craig Counsell keeps mixing up lineup appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Chicago Cubs are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, falling to 29-23 on the season. As they close out their series against the Houston Astros , manager Craig Counsell has decided to shake up the lineup.
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What hasn't changed is Ian Happ being on the bench, as the outfielder will sit for a second-straight game . Dansby Swanson will also take a seat with rookie Pedro Ramirez at second base and Nico Hoerner at shortstop, via Jordan Bastion of MLB.com.
It's a completely different look than what Counsell has trotted out the first two games of the series. In Game 1, Pete Crow-Armstrong batted eighth while Nico Hoerner led off. In Game 2 and 3, Crow-Armstrong returned to lead off while Hoerner hit fourth and then second.
Perhaps the most noticeable change has been the lack of Happ. He hit cleanup in the first game of the season, be went just 1-of-5 with two strikeouts. It continues the outfielder's season-long slump.
Through his first 49 games in 2026, Happ is hitting .214 with 10 home runs, 20 RBIs and two stolen bases. While the power numbers may look impressive, he hasn't had one in his last eight games and has just three long balls in the month of May. Over his last seven games, Happ is hitting a mere .050 with 11 strikeouts compared to two walks.
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Needless to say, the outfielder hasn't helped Chicago throughout their losing streak. Counsell will hope his lineup change brings a spark to the Cubs' offense. Furthermore, he'll look for Happ to use it as another day off and a direct message.
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