The vibes around Wrigley Park had transformed. It was not just another game week— something was establishing just beneath the surface. A current instance engaging a fiery ejection had left the MLB buzzing and all eyes were suddenly back on Terry Francona.

As the Cubs prepared for a fresh matchup, the timing of it all was a little too perfect. Francona was in the spotlight again, however, this time, it was not just related to what happened on the field—it was related to what a respected competitor had to say for the upcoming days.

Just two days after the Reds skipper lost it over a low strike call and was tossed along with pitcher Nick Martinez, Craig Counsell was asked about the competitive mindset going head-to-head with legendary managers. Without wasting any time, the Cubs representative reacted, “You respect everybody that you are competing against… Tito’s resume completely speaks for itself.” The message? Respect—yes. Intimidation—definitely not.

Now, we need to break it down. On May 29, Terry Francona charged out after a borderline strike three call against Matt McLain. Umpire Carlos Torres was in charge at this moment. Yes, he was the same ump who had some “greatest hits” in questionable calls, containing one that got Stephen Strasburg ejected in 2020. When Martinez chirped from the dugout, the star got booted, also. It was a chaotic moment and it trended quickly.

However, why did Counsell’s words make noise? Because the statements came right when the dust from Francona’s ejection was still in the air and how the Cubs representative provided them, analyzed, but with a slight edge, spoke volumes.

It was not just related to tossing praise at the Red’s feet. Coming from a manager identified for his strategic, cool and people-first approach, it felt like a direct contrast to Francona’s heat-of-the-moment approach. The recent ejection was Francona’s 52nd of his career and it placed him in 3rd position on the most ejected list among active managers—it was not hard for fans to read between the lines.

This situation took place eight days before the Cubs’ May 31 game against the Reds.

However, while Counsell could have stayed composed off the field, aspects on the mound have asked for far more urgency, specifically, with the Cubs now digging deep into their rotation to keep their momentum alive.

Cubs shake up rotation with opener approach to support struggling Ben Brown

With injuries thinning the starting rotation and forces mounting atop the NL Central, the Cubs are making a vital move. For Saturday’s matchup against the Reds, the team is turning to an approach rarely utilized in Wrigleyville—deploying an opener. Drew Pomeranz, spotless so far this season with a 0.00 ERA over 14 appearances, will begin the game in an approach to safeguard rookie starter Ben Brown from his early-inning woes. It is an analyzed attempt to rewrite the first chapter of Brown’s beginning, which has been—well, we can say—rough around the edges.

So, why now? Brown’s first-inning issues have become impossible to ignore. Across 10 starts, the star has surrendered a 9.90 ERA and enabled a .318 opponent batting average in opening frames. Opposing batters look to feast early, with 14 hits and eight walks before multiple fans identify their seats. Ben Brown also said, “I am getting so excited, so pumped up to pitch, I am losing kind of sight of what I do best.” That adrenaline spike could fuel his 96 mph fastball. However, it clearly affects his command. With Pomeranz acting as a buffer, the team thinks to ease Brown into rhythm and ignore to dig early holes.

However, this is not just related to Brown. The when matters too—because the team is 35-22, guiding the division and the Cubs are trying to tread water without Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. Colin Rea has cooled off lately and while Cade Horton has highlighted sharpness, the force is mounting.

So, will this opener strategy be a quick fix? Saturday’s game will tell. However, one aspect is clear: the Cubs are done waiting for things to work themselves out.

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