Chicago Cubs reliever Colten Brewer found himself in a tough spot over the weekend. After punching a dugout wall in frustration during Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, he ended up fracturing his left hand. This unfortunate incident led to him being placed on the 60-day injured list before Sunday’s series finale.
Brewer admitted that his emotions got the best of him, and he had no intention of causing harm to himself. His rough outing on the field only added to his frustration. After replacing Kyle Hendricks in the third inning of Saturday’s game, Brewer struggled, giving up three runs and committing a throwing error in a 7-0 loss.
Chicago manager Craig Counsell acknowledged that Brewer made a mistake, emphasizing that this behavior is not characteristic of him. Unfortunately, Brewer is not the first pitcher to injure himself in this manner. Earlier this season, Texas Rangers’ Brock Burke broke his hand while punching a wall after a poor performance. Similarly, Astros’ Phil Maton missed the postseason in 2022 after breaking his pinkie in a fit of frustration.
Brewer’s absence will be felt by the Cubs, as he has appeared in 16 games this season, posting a 5.66 ERA. To fill his spot, Chicago recalled Hunter Bigge from Triple-A Iowa. Bigge has been performing well in the minors, with a 1-0 record, 1.32 ERA, and six saves in 11 games.
It’s essential for players to manage their emotions and reactions during games, as letting frustration get the best of them can lead to serious consequences. Hopefully, Brewer’s injury serves as a reminder to all athletes about the importance of composure and mental resilience in high-pressure situations.
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