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After two days off to clear his head amid an early-season slump, Cubs outfielder Ian Happ homered on the second pitch he saw Thursday, a four-seam fastball.
It’s been a trying season for Happ. The Cubs outfielder is slashing .220/.331/.320 entering Friday’s game. Injuries to hitters and a sluggish offense have only magnified Happ’s struggles.
“You use it essentially to give the player a break from having to perform,” manager Craig Counsell said. “You come to the park, and you’re struggling. There’s, ‘I’ve got to go and do it again for the guys.