(670 The Score) Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel brushed off catcher Willson Contreras' recent criticism of the team's effort, indicating Contreras was frustrated amid the team's continued struggles.
"I don't think he was pointing fingers at anybody," Kimbrel said at the All-Star festivities in Denver on Monday, according to NBC Sports Chicago. "I just think he was saying in general how we need to play better. And it's true, we do. Hopefully we have a good break and we start off well, get on a good run."
After the Cubs' 6-0 loss to the Cardinals on Saturday night, Contreras called out his teammates for a lack of effort. Manager David Ross took issue with Contreras doing so in public fashion and offered his own rebuke while adding effort hasn't been the Cubs' problem.
"What he said last night needs to be said in-house and not to the media," Ross said Sunday. "I think he understands that, and that is a good lesson. I think something good will come out of this if that makes any sense. I try to have empathy with Willson playing two sides of the ball and the pitching staff not throwing up a lot of zeros at times. Also an umpire missing a pitch that cost us a lot of runs last night. Also his own offensive performance, he expects to be great at. The main focus for him is that we are all supporting one and other together."
The Cubs are 44-46 and have lost 13 of their past 15 games entering the All-Star break. They trail the NL Central-leading Brewers by eight games.
