The Chicago Cubs’ outfielder, Ian Happ, has been struggling at the plate recently. Despite a strong start to the season, his performance has taken a nosedive in the past 30 games. His hard contact has diminished, and his strikeout rate has increased. Hitting coach Dustin Kelly noted that Happ has been facing more sliders and fastballs in on the hands, which have been giving him trouble. He’s been swinging and missing at a higher rate than in previous seasons.
Happ acknowledged that he has been struggling with sliders and changeups, while hitting fastballs relatively well. Against offspeed and breaking pitches, his batting average drops significantly. However, in a recent game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Happ showed signs of improvement by hitting a home run and making solid contact on a couple of other at-bats.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell recognizes the importance of Happ’s production in the lineup and believes that he can be a key contributor to the team’s offense. While results are crucial, Counsell also wants to ensure that Happ doesn’t lose confidence or overthink his approach at the plate. Taking a brief break from playing allows Happ to clear his head and reset mentally.
Kelly, the hitting coach, sees his role as providing support to the players, not only in terms of mechanics but also in maintaining a positive mindset during struggles. He compares himself to bumpers at a bowling alley, preventing the hitters from veering off track and keeping them moving forward.
The Cubs have seen the benefits of giving players a mental break before. Last year, Seiya Suzuki took some time off and returned as a completely different player, finishing the season with an impressive OPS. While it may not be as straightforward for Happ, Counsell believes that this break is a step in the right direction. However, the work isn’t over yet. Happ needs to improve his pitch selection, lay off sliders out of the zone, and be aggressive when facing fastballs.
Slumps like this are common for hitters, but the key is to avoid prolonged stretches of poor performance. Happ has shown consistency in the past and is expected to find his rhythm again. The rest can be beneficial, but it’s not a guaranteed fix. Happ must continue to work on his approach and swing at good pitches. The break allows him to come back refreshed and in a better mental state.
In conclusion, Ian Happ’s recent struggles at the plate have prompted the Chicago Cubs to give him a brief break from playing. While his performance has dipped, the team believes in his potential and wants to help him regain his form. By addressing his pitch selection and mindset, Happ can bounce back and contribute significantly to the Cubs’ offense. The break serves as a reset, allowing him to come back stronger mentally and ready to make an impact at the plate once again.