Chicago Cubs reliever Colten Brewer was placed on the injured list after a poor reaction to a bad outing against the Los Angeles Angels. Brewer was pulled from the game in the third inning after getting just two outs and allowing three runs. Frustrated, Brewer punched the dugout wall and ended up breaking his nonpitching hand. He was placed on the 60-day IL with a fractured left hand, and Hunter Bigge was selected to take his spot on the roster. This incident serves as a reminder of how emotions can lead to injuries in sports, as seen in past instances where athletes have harmed themselves out of frustration.
The incident with Brewer is not the first time a player has injured themselves due to frustration. In 2004, Yankees pitcher Kevin Brown broke two bones in his nonpitching hand after punching a wall in the team’s clubhouse. Emotions can run high in professional sports, leading to outbursts like punching walls, throwing objects, or damaging equipment. While it is natural for athletes to feel frustration and anger, finding a healthier way to channel those emotions is important to prevent unnecessary injuries. Brewer’s injury, which could have been avoided, serves as a reminder of the importance of managing emotions in high-pressure situations.
In professional sports, especially in baseball, it is not uncommon to see players express their frustration by throwing objects or damaging equipment. Coolers, water jugs, sunflower seeds, gum, and even baseball bats have been used as outlets for anger and disappointment. While these actions may seem harmless, they can result in injuries that sideline players for an extended period. Finding healthier ways to cope with frustration, such as deep breathing, visualization, or seeking support from teammates or coaches, can help prevent unnecessary injuries like the one suffered by Brewer.
Brewer, a 6-foot-4 right-hander who played in three games with the Yankees last season, has struggled in the 2024 season with the Cubs. He has a 5.66 ERA over 16 games, giving up 13 earned runs over 20.2 innings pitched. The injury to his nonpitching hand will further hamper his performance and sideline him for an extended period. As Brewer focuses on rehabilitating his hand, he will also need to work on managing his emotions and finding healthier ways to cope with frustration to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Cubs have selected Hunter Bigge to take Brewer’s spot on the roster while he recovers from his injury. Bigge, a promising young pitcher, will have an opportunity to showcase his skills at the major league level and contribute to the team’s success. As the Cubs navigate through the season, they will need to support Brewer in his recovery and ensure that he has the resources and tools to manage his emotions in a healthier way. By addressing the underlying issues that led to his outburst, Brewer can make progress in his personal and professional development and return to the field stronger and more resilient than before.
In conclusion, the incident involving Colten Brewer serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing emotions to dictate actions in high-pressure situations. While it is natural for athletes to feel frustration and disappointment, finding healthy ways to manage these emotions is crucial to prevent unnecessary injuries and setbacks. By seeking support from teammates, coaches, and mental health professionals, athletes can learn to channel their emotions in constructive ways and avoid harmful outbursts. As Colten Brewer focuses on recovering from his injury, he must also work on developing strategies to cope with frustration and stress in a more positive and productive manner to prevent similar incidents in the future.
