CHICAGO -- Cubs manager Craig Counsell was asked prior to Saturday’s game about an aspect of his aggressive mid-game decisions involving pinch-hitters. At times, it has been to replace rookie Moisés Ballesteros, a gifted hitter still developing at the Major League level.
“This is a team,” Counsell said. “This is a team that we’re trying to win games with, and we’re going to go with the best matchups.”
It played out again in the sixth inning, when the Mets summoned lefty Brooks Raley from the bullpen in a key moment with the lefty-swinging Ballesteros set to hit. Counsell turned to veteran catcher Carson Kelly, who answered the call with a first-pitch, three-run home run that swung the game Chicago’s way en route to a 4-2 victory at Wrigley Field.
Kelly’s blast was the Cubs’ first pinch-hit blast of the season and the catcher’s first pinch-hit homer since Aug. 25, 2021. This two-out shot came after Mets righty Freddy Peralta issued back-to-back walks with two outs to Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki with the game caught in a 1-1 deadlock.
The 22-year-old Ballesteros went 1-for-2 earlier in the game against Peralta, giving the young designated hitter a .381 average to go with a 1.032 OPS through 17 games played on the year. Still, one thing Counsell likes about his bench corps right now is the quality of the options available.
Depending on who starts behind the plate, one of Miguel Amaya or Kelly -- both solid offensive catchers -- is available as a right-handed option. The Cubs also have super-utility man Matt Shaw, who hits from the right side, as well, and offers depth all over the infield and outfield. Veteran outfielder Michael Conforto (lefty) and utility man Scott Kingery (righty) round out the reserves.
“I like how we’re constructed right now,” Counsell said. “I think we have a pretty offensive bench right now for most games.”
The game-changing call to Kelly came after Cubs righty Jameson Taillon gave his team a quality start, limiting New York to a Mark Vientos solo homer over six innings. After yielding that home run in the top of the second, Happ slugged a game-tying shot to center in the home half.