Brewers Manager Pat Murphy Benches Rookie Cooper Pratt Over Hustle Concerns
In a 10-inning, 3-2 loss to the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy benched rookie Cooper Pratt for failing to execute a bunt attempt and not running hard out of the batter's box on a bloop single. Murphy…
Philadelphia, PA, August 26, 2026 —
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy made a notable decision during the team’s 10-inning, 3-2 loss to the New York Mets, benching rookie player Cooper Pratt. The action stemmed from two specific on-field incidents: Pratt’s failure to execute a bunt attempt and a perceived lack of hustle when running out of the batter’s box on a bloop single.
Murphy, speaking after the game, highlighted the critical nature of fundamentals and effort at the major league level. He emphasized that executing basic plays, such as a bunt, and maintaining maximum effort on all batted balls are non-negotiable aspects of playing for the Brewers.
The manager’s decision underscores a broader theme of accountability and the expectation of consistent focus and intensity from all players, particularly those newly introduced to the major league environment. The loss to the Mets, which extended to extra innings, saw the Brewers unable to secure a victory, with Pratt’s performance issues becoming a focal point for the manager’s post-game comments.
Details regarding any further disciplinary actions or specific consequences for Cooper Pratt beyond being benched for the remainder of the game were not provided. The team’s performance in the closely contested game against the Mets was ultimately decided in the tenth inning.
Story summarized from the original created by JERRY BEACH on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
