The Chicago Cubs have performed well during spring training while staying mostly healthy—until Monday.
Pete Crow-Armstrong was set to start in center field and lead off the batting order, but a last-minute change raised concerns. According to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, manager Craig Counsell and the Cubs opted to hold the young outfielder out of the game due to hamstring tightness.
The decision was precautionary, and the injury is not considered serious. However, any hamstring issue for a player like Crow-Armstrong is naturally concerning.
The 22-year-old played a key role for the Cubs in 2024, appearing in 123 games and posting a .237/.286/.384 slash line with 10 home runs, 47 RBIs, 46 runs scored, and 27 stolen bases. Defensively, he established himself as one of MLB’s top center fielders, recording eight outfield assists. He also ranked in the 97th percentile for Outs Above Average (14) and the 96th percentile for arm strength (93.0 mph), making him a future Gold Glove contender.
While his defensive skills stand out, Crow-Armstrong has also shown improved hitting this spring. Before Monday, he was 7-for-14 with a home run, three doubles, four RBIs, and four runs scored in five games. Though he hasn’t had many opportunities to display his speed, he has recorded one stolen base.
His spot on the Opening Day roster was never in question, so sitting him for a few games as a precaution is not a major issue. However, his hamstring injury is particularly concerning because his speed is a crucial part of his game. His quickness allows him to take extra bases, steal with ease, and cover ground defensively. He ranks in the 99th percentile in sprint speed, making him one of the fastest players in the league.
At this point, the Cubs are not overly concerned about his long-term status. With two games against the Dodgers in Tokyo in two weeks, the team wants to ensure he is fully healthy. While his absence from the lineup was precautionary, it remains something to monitor as Opening Day approaches.
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