The Chicago Cubs dropped both games of the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, losing 4-1 on Tuesday and 6-3 on Wednesday.
While the entire Cubs offense struggled, manager Craig Counsell was not shocked to see one player fail at the plate. Counsell stated that infielder Matt Shaw was not impressive in his first MLB plate appearances.
"I don't think he swung the bat well this series," Counsell told The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma about Shaw's performance in the Tokyo Series.
"We faced difficult arms [on Wednesday]. We're going to face difficult arms in Arizona as well. That's the major leagues. That's your introduction to the major leagues, some really good arms."
Shaw, 23, went 1-for-9 in the two games at the Tokyo Series, picking up his first MLB hit in the bottom of the fifth inning on Wednesday.
Despite Counsell's criticism of Shaw's plate appearances, the Cubs' second-year manager liked what he saw from his rookie on defense. Shaw can play shortstop and second base but started each of the two Tokyo Series games at third base.
"I thought it was an important day, defensively, to come back and make some plays," Counsell added. "It's two games. It is what it is. The defense is an important thing for him to show us and improve on. Today was a good step in that direction."
Shaw made a dazzling play in the top of the seventh on Wednesday, diving to his left to stop a ground ball off the bat of Tommy Edman from going into left field and potentially saving a run.
The Cubs' domestic Opening Day is Thursday, March 27, against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
