Brewers Rookie Benched for Lack of Hustle: 'You'd Better Run'

The Milwaukee Brewers lead the league with the best record, just one game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Pat Murphy demonstrated his high standards on Tuesday night when he pulled rookie Cooper Pratt from the game. Pratt had failed to run hard after an infield hit in the fifth inning during a road match against the New York Mets.

Murphy emphasized the importance of commitment during the post-game press conference, stating, "You've got to be locked in if you're going to play at this level. You'd better run." Pratt acknowledged his error, vowing it would not repeat. "There is no excuse," he said, adding, "I should've ran hard, whether it was foul or fair, if it was an out.

I should've been busting my butt to get to second base." The 22-year-old made his MLB debut on June 16, signing an eight-year, $50.75 million contract with the Brewers shortly after. In 49 games, Pratt has a .259 batting average, two home runs, 18 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. The Brewers aim for their fourth consecutive National League Central title.