On Monday night, Cubs manager David Ross underlined that benching star shortstop Javier Báez was not done to humiliate him. The manager lauded Báez for his initiative, leadership, and baseball-related qualities.
Ross clarified that his decision to remove Báez from the game in the fourth inning of Cleveland’s 4-0 victory was less about the shortstop particularly and more about getting rid of a player who appeared to be off-balance. The Cubs are currently trying to reestablish the kind of rhythm that propelled them to the top of the National League Central, so they can ill-afford such mental slip-ups.
Why did Baez get taken out of the game?
In exasperation, Báez threw his hands to his side as the Cleveland defense sent the ball to first baseman Bobby Bradley from left. That resulted in an improbable double play to close the inning, which forced Báez to leave the game.
Báez acknowledged being “surprised” by being benched, but he also stated he appreciated Ross’ choice and that there were “no hard feelings” in the situation.
“I put the blame on myself. I miscounted the outs,” Báez admitted. “We discussed it. We are in agreement. I’ll be there on Monday to support the group.
