MLB: Spring Training San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs shortstop Vidal Brujan (17) makes the play against the San Diego Padres in the first inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Chicago Cubs manager sounds another alarm about 3rd base after Vidal Brujan’s mistake

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Apr 28, 2025 9:01 AM ET

Third base is an eyesore for the Chicago Cubs after one month of baseball.

After his struggles at the plate, the Cubs sent Matt Shaw to Triple-A earlier in April. Chicago DFA’d Rule 5 pick Gage Workman before trading him to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday after committing two errors in a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.

On Sunday night, Vidal Brujan made a costly mistake in the Cubs’ 3-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in front of 35,761 fans at Wrigley Field. Brujan played deep at third base and didn’t come up to field a ground ball by Trea Turner, allowing Max Kepler to score and make it a 3-1 game with two outs in the tenth inning.

Vidal Brujan made a mistake in extra innings

Cubs insider Bruce Levine told Marquee Sports Network that Brujan was playing too deep.

“You can argue up and back whether Bruján could have charged that ball and made a different play,” Levine said. “He’s playing way too deep to do that.”

“You can argue up and back whether Bruján could have charged that ball and made a different play … He’s playing way too deep to do that.”@MLBBruceLevine on the play that led to the Phillies’ 2nd run in the 10th. pic.twitter.com/dJCqWsA15H

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 28, 2025

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell was unhappy with the play

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) reacts during the sixth inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Following the game, Cubs manager Craig Counsell voiced his irritation with Brujan.

You gotta go get that ball,” Counsell said. “With the speed of Turner, you gotta go get it.”

“You gotta go get that ball.”

Craig Counsell on Vidal Bruján’s play in the 10th. pic.twitter.com/pHTS9BXlca

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 28, 2025

Counsell made similar comments about Workman needing to make a play before the Cubs DFA’d him. The Cubs could be getting ready to make another move to shuffle up the infield.

Chicago is reportedly in the market to add help to the starting rotation and bullpen. If Brujan doesn’t improve quickly, will the team explore other options at third base?

Regardless of allowing an extra run to score, the Phillies already had a 2-1 lead before Turner drove in Kepler. Chicago produced no runs in the bottom of the 10th.

The Cubs have an off day on Monday before they start their series on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

MLB: Chicago Cubs Press Conference Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer talks to the media after introducing pitcher Shota Imanaga (not pictured) during a press conference at Loews Chicago Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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