Breaking: Craig Counsell’s Matchup Strategy Silences Critics as Chicago Cubs Keep Winning

Criticism from Chicago Cubs fans directed at manager Craig Counsell particularly over his tendency to shield left-handed hitters from facing left-handed pitching is starting to lose credibility as results continue to justify his strategy.

Earlier in the season, doubts surrounded Counsell’s handling of players like Michael Busch, who has struggled significantly despite finally being given a consistent everyday role. However, Counsell has doubled down on matchup-based decisions, frequently substituting right-handed options such as Matt Shaw or Carson Kelly in place of rookie Moises Ballesteros when facing left-handed pitchers.

While fans are eager to see Ballesteros tested against southpaws, Counsell’s in-game adjustments have repeatedly paid off. A prime example came during Saturday’s comeback win over the New York Mets. With the game tied in the sixth inning, Mets reliever Brooks Raley entered to face Ballesteros. Counsell responded by sending in Kelly as a pinch-hitter, and the veteran catcher delivered immediately launching a first-pitch, three-run homer that ultimately sealed the victory.

That decisive moment extended the Mets’ losing streak and reinforced Counsell’s reliance on matchup data. Just a day earlier, Shaw had also come through in a similar pinch-hitting role, contributing to a dominant win for Chicago.

Statistically, Counsell’s approach is well-supported. Ballesteros has excelled against right-handed pitching, hitting just under .400 this season, while Shaw has consistently performed well against left-handers. Given those splits, Counsell’s decisions appear less like over-managing and more like calculated, data-driven leadership as the team works to overcome an early-season slump.

Looking ahead, with another left-handed pitcher expected for New York, Counsell is likely to stick with the same formula potentially turning to players like Miguel Amaya or Shaw in key spots. For now, lineup decisions based on matchups seem far less of a concern than other roster challenges, such as stabilizing the bullpen.