On September 8th, 2019, the Chicago Cubs shortstop Javier Báez was removed from the game against the St. Louis Cardinals after making a costly baserunning error. Báez was attempting to score from second base on a single by teammate Kris Bryant, but he was thrown out at home plate by Cardinals outfielder Harrison Bader.
The play began with Bryant hitting a single to center field. Báez rounded third base and headed for home plate, but Bader made a strong throw to the plate and Báez was tagged out before he could reach home. After the play, Cubs manager Joe Maddon immediately removed Báez from the game and replaced him with utility player David Bote.
The baserunning mistake was costly for the Cubs, as it cost them a run in what ended up being a 4-3 loss to the Cardinals. After the game, Maddon explained his decision to remove Báez from the game, saying “I just felt like he had made a mistake and I wanted to take him out of the game and give him a chance to regroup.”
Baez has been one of the most productive players for the Cubs this season, hitting .281 with 28 home runs and 85 RBIs. He is also an excellent fielder and baserunner, so his mistake on Sunday was uncharacteristic for him. Despite the mistake, Báez is still an important part of the Cubs and will continue to be a key contributor for them down the stretch.
