Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy pulled shortstop Cooper Pratt from Tuesday night’s game against the New York Mets after the rookie failed to run hard out of the batter’s box following a fifth-inning popup.
Pratt’s fly ball dropped in shallow right field and briefly got past outfielder Carson Benge. Once Pratt reached first base for a single, Murphy subbed him out for a pinch runner.
“He popped a ball up to right field and didn’t run, and the ball landed and stopped,” Murphy told reporters following a 3-2 loss in 10 innings. “He would’ve easily got to second base. What could’ve happened after that, I’m not sure, but you can’t have a guy not understanding that.”
Earlier in the game, Pratt failed to get a bunt down with two runners on base. Murphy’s issue with Pratt’s play appeared to be a lack of focus.
“There is no excuse,” Pratt said. “I should’ve run hard no matter if it’s foul or fair, if it’s an out. I should’ve been busting my butt to get to second base. Some of the guys pulled me aside and let me know, ‘Hey, this is how we do it here,’ and I know that. It won’t happen again.”
Pratt, 22, debuted in June. Before he reached the majors, the Brewers extended Pratt with an eight-year, $50.75 million deal. A slick fielder, Pratt holds a .680 OPS with two home runs and 10 stolen bases.
The game ended on an error by David Hamilton, who replaced Pratt.
When Hamilton entered the game, he took over at third base with Joey Ortiz moving from third base to shortstop. With one out in the bottom of the 10th inning and with the bases loaded, Christopher Morel hit a grounder to Hamilton at third. There was time to get an out at home, but Hamilton’s throw went wide and Francisco Lindor scored the winning run.
The Brewers (81-51) boast Major League Baseball’s best record. After each of the last two seasons, Murphy has won the National League Manager of the Year Award.
