Learning experience continues for Cubs rookie outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong

CHICAGO (670 The Score) – Cubs rookie center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong’s developmental process continues to play out on a daily basis at the big league level.

In 110 plate appearances in 41 games this season, Crow-Armstrong is hitting .202 with one homer, 10 RBIs and a .525 OPS. He’s also 13-for-13 in stolen-base attempts and has played strong defense in center field.

In the Cubs’ 6-5 win against the Giants on Wednesday at Wrigley Field, Crow-Armstrong went 1-for-3 and also had a sacrifice bunt that led to a Chicago run due to a San Francisco error. In his second stint in the big leagues this season, the 22-year-old Crow-Armstrong knows he needs to produce more offensively and discussed his development at large. Crow-Armstrong has had a rough June, hitting .132 with a .307 OPS in the month.

“If I was talking about a second time around from just a player's standpoint, it's not there or how I would want it to be going,” Armstrong told 670 The Score. “I also don't want to concentrate on this being the second time around because that allows for there being a third time. I do have to recognize the process, but I don't want to think I have any time to fail. What you learn from the experience is that in professional baseball at the highest level, it's just about winning every day. Learning from the guys on this team, they know that every play they make will contribute to a win. It's an adjustment in your game and life, but it's been made easier because of the coaches and players being there for me.”

Cubs manager Craig Counsell has made a point to communicate regularly with Crow-Armstrong about a number of topics surrounding his development, which is happening as the inconsistent Cubs (36-39) are trying to chase a playoff berth.

“For Pete, it's going to be (about player development) for more than anybody,” Counsell said. “He is the youngest player on the team, so he has the least amount of baseball experience. Therefore, he will get more instruction than anyone else. As coaches, we must take advantage of all these opportunities. He should learn faster (in Chicago), and I think he will. He is certainly learning about himself. He is learning about the game and his strengths and weaknesses. Those things all make you a better player.

“I talk with him more than most. That is just because of his youth. The expectations that he carries with him are heavy. Helping him with all that is important. But being a teacher, you have to try and know the teaching moments because the player has to go through the journey himself a little bit. That is what being a teacher is about – picking the right spots.”

The question of Crow-Armstrong leading off for the Cubs at some point down the line has been broached by fans and media members, but it isn’t on the table now for Counsell due to the logical reason of prioritizing on-base percentage at the top of the order.

For his part, Crow-Armstrong isn’t preoccupied about where he bats in the Cubs lineup. He has hit eighth on 17 occasions and ninth on 11 occasions.

“I have been a leadoff hitter since I started playing the game,” Crow-Armstrong said. "That is not on my mind at all. I am here to improve and help the club win games. I do think it is a fair question about my future. There are your niche places as you grow in the game. But if I am hitting eighth, I can still use my abilities and tools to impact the team and a game from that spot. It's all a mindset and focus to be at your best with each opportunity given.”

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine .