This week, the Chicago Cubs made the interesting decision to send Pete Crow-Armstrong back to AAA Iowa. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer told the Chicago media that this was in an effort to give him consistent at-bats that he would not be able to find on the major league roster. Manager Craig Counsell echoed this when asked what PCA needed to do to return to Chicago. Counsell said he would find what he needs by getting more chances at the plate.
At the surface level, the move down to Iowa made sense for PCA. Since Cody Bellinger has been healthy, he has taken over the majority of responsibilities in center field. We really only saw Crow-Armstrong in the lineup as Bellinger was easing his way back into action. Getting more playing time in AAA could help his bat stay fresh and ready.
Needless to say, it appears PCA has taken things a bit personally. Quite frankly, we love to see it. Since his demotion and playing three games, Crow-Armstrong has launched two home runs and stolen three bases. He is lighting it up against the Indianapolis Indians.
Indy certainly noticed what PCA was doing to them, so they took matters into their own hands on Friday night. But PCA ended up on top (and out of the park).
Pete Crow-Armstrong Gets Thrown At Twice, Then Launches Ball Into Oblivion
Indy pitcher Wily Peralta faced off against Pete Crow-Armstrong with one out in the bottom of the fourth inning, and the Iowa Cubs were leading 3-0. The first pitch of the at-bat went behind PCA's legs, and the second went over his head. Iowa Manager Marty Pevey came out of the Cubs' dugout heated, screaming right in the home plate umpire's face, defending his player. He was thrown out of the game, and both teams were warned.
On the very next pitch, Pete Crow-Armstrong sent a baseball over the right-field fence and flipped his bat to the moon. This was his third home run in four games back with Iowa. On Friday night, he homered, doubled three times, and brought in five runs.
Many questioned the move that sent PCA back down to Iowa. With Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner returning to the everyday lineup from injury, the Cubs still elected to promote infielder Luis Vazquez to join Nick Madrigal and Patrick Wisdom as other infielders coming off the bench.
It's only a matter of time before Pete Crow-Armstrong is back on the Chicago Cubs roster and playing in important baseball games. Especially if Michael Busch continues his woes, Cody Bellinger could be moved to first base, clearing the way for PCA to return to center field. His power and speed would be welcomed back to a struggling lineup with open arms.
