Crow-Armstrong went 3-for-3 with a double, one RBI and one run scored in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Pirates. He was also hit by a pitch. Crow-Armstrong was a constant nuisance for the Pirates, reaching in all four plate appearances and playing a role in both Cubs runs.

Caissie is one of the Cubs' top prospects, and he made his big-league debut Thursday, batting fifth and playing DH. The 23-year-old had an opportunity to spark a comeback, leading off the top of the ninth inning.

"There's a tendency to make everything sound worse than it is in our game," Counsell told ESPN's Jesse Rogers on Friday. "Sticking to the things that get you results and being OK it might not happen at that exact time you want it to is the right way to be your best self.