Astros 3, Cubs 0: In which I criticize Craig Counsell’s lineup choices

So let me get this straight. After Friday’s loss to the Astros, here’s what Cubs manager Craig Counsell said he would do: Cubs manager on team losing streak-“I think we have to do something different” said Craig Counsell after 6th straight loss” it feels like some at bats and confidence is shaken. Maybe a different look in the lineup, or a day off is needed.

I think we are at point absolutely “ — Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) May 22, 2026 So what do we get as “something different”? Pete Crow-Armstrong leading off, Nico Hoerner batting cleanup and Ian Happ getting a day off. That’s it.

That’s not a “different look,” in my view. The Cubs, over the last two days, have added two of their top prospects to the 26-man roster: Pedro Ramirez and Kevin Alcántara. Why not start them, Craig.

I mean, how much worse could it have been than the pathetic, three-hit offense the Cubs put on the field Saturday in a depressing 3-0 loss to the Astros ? Both players got pinch-hit at-bats, both made outs and Alcántara played a couple innings in left field. Big whoop.