Pete Crow-Armstrong MLB Call-Up Amid Cubs' Playoff Push

• MLB

In a strategic move aiming to bolster their playoff chances, the Chicago Cubs have decided to call up their ace outfielder, Pete Crow-Armstrong, from the minor leagues, as reported by ESPN. The 21-year-old starlet is slated to make his anticipated MLB debut in Tuesday's face-off with the Colorado Rockies.

Rising Star Crow-Armstrong's Season

Crow-Armstrong has demonstrated exceptional prowess this season, dividing his time between Double-A and Triple-A leagues. In the more demanding Triple-A, he showcased his talent in 34 games, registering an impressive batting line of .271/.350/.479, punctuated by six home runs and a notable tally of 10 stolen bases.

CBS Sports hailed him as baseball's 22nd most promising prospect in June. The Cubs' acquisition of Crow-Armstrong in a pivotal 2021 trade deadline deal with the Mets, sending Javier Báez in the opposite direction, seems to be paying off.

Broadly comparing, Crow-Armstrong and Báez mirror each other in gameplay, flaunting stellar defence at crucial positions and the ability to slug and sprint. However, Crow-Armstrong's game has evolved since his trade to the Cubs, integrating swing modifications that augment his power capacity.

While this has capped some elements of his triple slash, he's utilized these changes to significant effect in Double-A. Whether these modifications will yield similar dividends in the majors remains to be seen. Despite making his debut after the Aug.

31 deadline, Crow-Armstrong remains in contention for the playoffs. For his inclusion, the Cubs would need to appeal to MLB for permission to swap him in as a replacement for an injured roster player. On the playoff frontier, the Cubs, boasting a 77-67 season record as of Monday, hold a narrow advantage.

They lead the Arizona Diamondbacks by two games for the coveted second wild-card position and have a slight 2.5-game edge over the Miami Marlins for a general playoff berth. Additionally, they're tailing the Milwaukee Brewers by three games in the intense National League Central race. This strategic promotion might push the Cubs to pursue postseason glory.