The Chicago Cubs have faced multiple weather-related disruptions in recent days, complicating pitcher availability and prompting criticism from manager Craig Counsell. The team’s scheduled opener against the New York Mets on Monday at Citi Field was postponed due to weather and rescheduled for a day-night doubleheader on Wednesday. This followed another rainout Sunday at Wrigley Field against the Toronto Blue Jays, which will be made up on August 6.

Counsell expressed frustration with the consecutive rainouts, particularly questioning the decision to cancel Monday’s game despite a lull in precipitation during the evening hours. Although light showers and mist were present throughout the day, the rain mostly ceased between 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., yet the game—originally set for a 7:10 p.m. start—was postponed roughly 40 minutes prior to first pitch. The Mets confirmed the postponement was weather-related.

“This is troubling for pitching, for sure,” Counsell said Tuesday while observing rain-soaked conditions in New York. “Yesterday’s game did not need to be rained out. It didn’t rain, and for some reason we didn’t play.” When pressed on whether he received any further rationale, Counsell added, “Major League Baseball tells you the game’s canceled, and that’s it. Especially on the road. That’s all you get.”

The postponements mark the Cubs’ first back-to-back weather-related cancellations since April 2018, and the first time they have occurred in separate cities since October 1986. The uncertainty affected the team’s pitching plans as well. Shota Imanaga, originally slated to start Monday, instead threw a bullpen session to maintain routine, with his start rescheduled for the second game of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Edward Cabrera started Tuesday’s opener but sustained a left hamstring strain during the game, resulting in his placement on the 15-day injured list alongside reliever Ben Brown, who is dealing with a neck strain.

The condensed schedule has prompted concerns about pitching depth. “You stack a doubleheader, which affects—you’re not going to have enough starters available, so we’re either going to end up with a bullpen game or we’re going to call up someone later in the week,” Counsell said before Tuesday’s game.

Counsell’s frustration extended beyond the weather. In Tuesday’s game, he was ejected following a dispute over a rare, somewhat confusing ruling. After Michael Busch drew a one-out walk in the seventh inning, Pete Crow-Armstrong was caught out while attempting to advance to second base during the pitch. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza challenged the play, and a video review found that Crow-Armstrong lost contact with second base while sliding headfirst, nullifying the advancement despite the walk.

Following the overturned call, Counsell argued fiercely with umpires, eventually being ejected. “Umpires interpret rules correctly. They don’t get that stuff wrong,” Counsell said afterward. “It’s a bad rule. It’s a terrible rule. I mean, I don’t know what else to say.”

On a roster note, the Cubs added right-hander Jayden Murray to their bullpen after acquiring him from the Houston Astros in exchange for minor-league first baseman Cameron Sisneros. Murray made his debut Tuesday in the ninth inning, allowing three runs, including a home run to Bo Bichette, before recording the final out. Counsell noted Murray’s minor-league success but acknowledged limited major-league opportunities so far.