PCA returns to action in a big way with Little League HR

MESA, Ariz. -- As Pete Crow-Armstrong raced around the basepaths in the second inning on Tuesday at Sloan Park -- pulling off a Little League-style home run against the Padres -- one thing became increasingly clear: the Cubs center fielder¡¯s legs were feeling just fine.

Crow-Armstrong was back in the lineup against San Diego -- in a game Chicago would go on to win 16-1 -- one day after being scratched shortly before game time against the D-backs. The young outfielder wanted to play, especially with Corbin Burnes pitching on Monday, but a brief bout with right hamstring tightness in the morning led to a precautionary day of rest.

¡°It was my decision,¡± Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Tuesday.

The discomfort that flared during morning drills on Monday was mild enough where both Counsell and Crow-Armstrong said it would not have cost the center fielder a game during the regular season. But with a trip to Japan for the Tokyo Series (March 18-19) looming, and the Cubs hoping to play into October, this was no time to take an unnecessary risk.

And in the second inning against the Padres, Crow-Armstrong quieted any alarms going off for Cubs fans.

Crow-Armstrong sliced a pitch from San Diego righty Matt Waldron into left field, bringing Dansby Swanson home from second base. On the throw from the outfield, Crow-Armstrong hustled to second, diving into the bag for an extra 90 feet added to his single. His trek was hardly complete.

Third baseman Eguy Rosario cut off the throw from left field and fired the ball toward second, but it errantly skipped into the right-center gap. Crow-Armstrong shuffled to his feet and continued his sprint, running all the way home to give the Cubs two runs on the play. He cracked a smile as he jogged back to the home dugout.

Crow-Armstrong said before the game that he fully understood why Counsell and the Cubs¡¯ medical team told him to take the day off.

¡°It was a collaboration to get me to make a mature decision on where we¡¯re at in the year, not pushing anything,¡± Crow-Armstrong said. ¡°And it was completely precautionary and nothing too noteworthy.¡±