Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell slams lineup: Change is coming

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Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell slams lineup: Change is coming

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 22, 2026 10:32 PM ET

Amid a six-game losing streak, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is done defending a stagnant offense.

The final straw came after a 4-2 loss to the Houston Astros in front of 37,332 fans at Wrigley Field on Friday. The Cubs earned just four hits against the Astros, who have the worst ERA in the MLB.

In the bottom of the third inning, the Cubs had bases loaded with no outs. Ian Happ struck out swinging. Seiya Suzuki hit a pop-up. Michael Conforto grounded out.

It was a wasted inning for the Cubs, who have done a lot of that in the last week, losing their series to the Chicago White Sox, being swept by the Milwaukee Brewers, and now starting their series against the lowly Astros with a loss.

Following the game on Friday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell finally took issue with the sputtering lineup, suggesting changes were coming, including the possibility players would be benched.

“I think we have to do something different,” Counsell said, via Bruce Levine of “The Score”. “It feels like some at-bats and confidence are shaken. Maybe a different look in the lineup, or a day off is needed. I think we are at (that) point absolutely.”

Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell to make changes

Apr 11, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell looks on and smiles while taking questions from the media prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Left fielder Ian Happ could be one of the players needing a day off. He’s earned just two hits in 23 at-bats in the last seven days.

Counsell had been more patient in recent days, saying that some of his hitters can be streaky, and believing the bats would come around. After earning four hits against a bad Astros pitching staff, he knows it’s time for an immediate change.

The clubhouse needs to be uncomfortable.

Chicago won’t look to Matt Shaw to start. He’s on the injured list with back tightness.

The Cubs have fallen to third place in the National League Central. They’re two games back from the Milwaukee Brewers for first place.

The lineup should look different on Saturday when the Cubs host the Astros in Game 2.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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