Craig Counsell Announces Reason for Ian Happ's Second Straight Absence From Cubs Lineup
Despite a strong start to the 2026 MLB season, the Chicago Cubs have endured a difficult stretch over recent weeks. After starting the season strong with a 27-13 record and in first place in the National League Central, the Cubs have lost 11 of their last 13 games and have fallen to third place in the NL Central with a 29-23 record.
Entering Sunday's matchup with the Houston Astros, the Cubs are hoping to avoid an eighth straight loss. Amid the Cubs' recent offensive woes, veteran outfielder Ian Happ has struggled to generate consistent offensive production. The 31-year-old remains one of the most important leaders within Chicago's clubhouse, but Happ has endured a frustrating and highly inconsistent season at the plate so far.
Ahead of Sunday's series finale against the Astros, Happ was absent from the Cubs' lineup for the second consecutive game. According to Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports, manager Craig Counsell described the absence as a planned "mental breather" for the former All-Star.
"Ian Happ is out of the lineup for the second straight game for a mental breather. Craig Counsell said he told him to take Saturday off completely, and today he's been hitting and doing other typical pregame work. Plan is to have him in Monday's lineup in Pittsburgh," Wyllys shared on X.
Ian Happ is out of the lineup for the second straight game for a mental breather. Craig Counsell said he told him to take Saturday off completely, and today he's been hitting and doing other typical pregame work.
— Jared Wyllys (@jwyllys) May 24, 2026
Plan is to have him in Monday's lineup in Pittsburgh.
Chicago now appears hopeful that the brief reset can help Happ regain offensive rhythm as they head into Monday's series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Happ is in the final year of his three-year $61 million contract extension with the Cubs, and the club will hope he can turn his season around after the reset. In his last ten games, the four-time Gold Glove Award winner is batting .139 with a home run and striking out at a 44.2% rate.
With Happ expected back in Monday's lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cubs will hope the short reset allows one of their veteran leaders to regain confidence offensively.
The Cubs will look to avoid a sweep on Sunday against the Astros.
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 11:09 AM.