Full Breakdown
Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Decries Back-to-Back Rainouts and Rule Dispute Amid Doubleheader
6/25/2026, 12:57:48 AM
Official Statements on Weather Cancellations
The Cubs endured back-to-back rainouts in two cities. Monday night’s series opener at Citi Field against the New York Mets was postponed for poor weather and moved to a day-night doubleheader on Wednesday. The next day, a home finale at Wrigley Field versus the Toronto Blue Jays was also called off, with a makeup scheduled for Aug. 6. It was the first such pair of rainouts since April 2018 and the first in different cities since October 1986. Manager Craig Counsell called the cancellations “troublesome for pitching.”
Pitching Rotation, Injuries and Roster Moves
The weather forced a rotation shuffle. Right-hander Shota Imanaga, set to start Monday versus Mets pitcher Kodai Senga, threw a bullpen session and had his start pushed to Wednesday. Edward Cabrera started Tuesday after an 11-minute rain delay, but a left-leg injury in the 9-6 win landed him on the injured list. Counsell warned that “stacking a doubleheader” limits starter availability, possibly requiring a bullpen game or a mid-week call-up. The Cubs added right-hander Jayden Murray from the Astros for minor-league first baseman Cameron Sisneros and optioned Gavin Hollowell to Triple-A Iowa.
Criticism & Opposition Over Rule Interpretation
In the seventh inning of Wednesday’s doubleheader, Michael Busch’s walk seemed to move Pete Crow-Armstrong to second, but a slide and a throw from Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez resulted in a tag-out after replay showed he lost contact with the bag. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza challenged the call; the review upheld the out. Crow-Armstrong called the play “pretty confusing.” Counsell argued with the umpires, gestured dismissively and was ejected, later labeling the rule “bad” and “terrible.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Look, consecutive rainouts are, they're troublesome for pitching, for sure. And frankly, yesterday's game did not need to be rained out. It didn't rain, and for some reason we didn't play,” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
- “Major League Baseball tells you the game's canceled, and that's it. Especially on the road. That's all you get,” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
- “Umpires interpret rules correctly. They don’t get that stuff wrong,” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
- “It’s a bad rule. It’s a terrible rule. I mean, I don’t know what else to say. Like, not a good rule.” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
Timeline
- Mon – Mets-Cubs opener postponed.
- Tue – 11-minute rain delay; Cabrera starts, Cubs win 9-6, Cabrera injured.
- Wed – Doubleheader begins; Counsell ejected.
- Sun – Blue Jays game rained out; makeup Aug 6.
- Later – Murray added; Hollowell optioned.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source called Monday’s weather “heavy thunderstorms,” another described “light showers and mist,” though both note the rain stopped before the 7:10 p.m. start. No source specifies the rule Counsell criticized.
What’s Next
The Cubs will finish Wednesday’s doubleheader, likely using bullpen arms and considering a call-up to cover starter gaps. Cabrera’s injury will be reviewed, and the postponed Toronto game will be played on Aug. 6. Roster flexibility remains a priority as the team navigates the compressed schedule.
