WATCH: Craig Counsell on Justin Steele's rehab, catching depth, and Cubs' resilience |
Tony Crumpton
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- Saturday, April 19 2025
Craig Counsell addressed media prior to the second game in the series between the Cubs and Diamondbacks to provide an update on Justin Steele's surgery, evaluate the Cubs' catching platoon of Carson Kelly and Miguel Amaya, and more.
Watch the pregame video below:
Video summary/cliff-notes:
Justin Steele's Surgery & Rehab (00:02):
Steele's surgery went well, and he is beginning a long rehab process in Phoenix. Timeline for return is approximately one year.
Bullpen Management (00:50–01:35):
No major changes to bullpen strategy post-off day. Availability will guide usage.
Pitching Resilience & Young Players (01:35–02:09):
Counsell emphasizes the importance of bouncing back after tough outings—an essential part of being a big leaguer.
On Hitting Philosophy (02:45–04:07):
Counsell stresses the importance of being "on time" as a hitter, saying it allows room for error. He attributes progress in hitters like PCA (Pete Crow-Armstrong) to improved timing.
Catching Platoon Success (05:26–06:37):
The bottom of the order, especially from catchers, has been productive. Carson and others are making a meaningful impact even without a full-time role.
Third Base Rotation (07:25–08:45):
Cubs are using a shared-role approach at third base due to lack of a clear starter. Counsell is comfortable with this, emphasizing flexibility and player matchups.
Colin Rea’s Steady Performance (09:23):
Rea has made a smooth transition from bullpen to starter. His steady demeanor is appreciated by the staff.
Carson's Impact Behind the Plate (09:56):
Carson has made significant contributions by developing strong relationships with pitchers and guiding them through in-game struggles.
Rotation Depth Without Steele (10:31–11:06):
Despite losing Steele, starters like Matt Boyd and Ben Brown are stepping up, offering consistent performances and showing promise.
Late-Game Pitching Decisions (11:48–13:57):
Counsell details how quick decisions are made in the bullpen to preserve pitcher availability across multiple games, especially with big leads.
On Finding More ABs for Carson (14:37):
Though it's early, Carson has impressed enough to warrant consideration for more at-bats. However, current DH and catching depth is strong, and it's still just April.
