Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has put himself in the conversation to win the NL MVP award with a string of exemplary performances this season. While beating LA Dodgers phenom Shohei Ohtani will not be easy, the Japanese star’s delayed return to the mound could work in Crow-Armstrong’s favor.
MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that Ohtani pulled out of his scheduled bullpen session because he did not feel up to the mark in the previous one. Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts, however, said he expected Ohtani to pitch again this season and backed the Japanese to win the MVP despite his injury struggles.
Fans were quick to react to Roberts’ comments, with many rallying behind Crow-Armstrong.
“Lol, if he doesn’t pitch again, PCA owns him🤷♂️😆” one fan commented.
Pete Crow-Armstrong Produced Yet Another Stellar Night For the Cubs
Crow-Armstrong propelled Chicago to a dominant 11-0 shutout win over the Pirates at PNC Park on Saturday night. He took the game to Pirates ace Paul Skenes from the outset, handing the reigning NL Cy Young winner his ninth loss of the season. Armstrong finished the game with four hits, including a home run, three RBIs, and three runs.
The Cubs secured a crucial series win over their intra-divisional rivals, with the series finale scheduled for Sunday. Armstrong has posted an impressive offensive stat line this year, with a .291 batting average, 23 home runs, 59 RBIs, and a .934 OPS in 104 games.
He has been equally impressive defensively in center field. While Ohtani is still the favorite to win the NL MVP, it will be interesting to see how the race develops if he cannot pitch again.
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