Cubs SS Javier Baez Benched By Manager David Ross After Losing Track Of Outs

It was a tough and embarrassing night for Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Baez during a 4-0 setback at the hands of the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field.

Manager David Ross benched Baez in the fourth inning after he lost count of how many outs there were. Because of the brain fart, Baez got doubled off first base and slunk back to the dugout in shame. The Indians had a 1-0 lead at the time.

"We have to make sure we're focused and locked in during the game," Ross said afterward. "Sometimes our frustrations can distract us a little bit."

Baez grounded into a fielder’s choice in the fourth, but he reached first while Kris Bryant was called out at second for the first out of the inning. Anthony Rizzo was then up for the Cubs. He hit a deep fly ball into left field, which Eddie Rosario caught easily for the second out of the frame.

Unfortunately, Baez must've thought there were already two outs instead of one because he decided to take off from first base.

Cleveland didn't waste anytime. Rosario quickly threw over to first to turn the double play, and Baez threw his arms up in frustration.

Let this be a lesson, boys and girls: keep track of the out count. One, two...











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Matt has been a part of the Cleveland Sports landscape working in the media since 1994 when he graduated from broadcasting school. His coverage beats include the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Cavaliers. He's written three books, and won the "2020 AP Sports Stringer Lifetime Service Award."