Cooper Pratt Removed from Brewers-Mets Game After Defensive Lapses NEW YORK – Cooper Pratt, the Milwaukee Brewers’ 22-year-old rookie shortstop, was removed from the game in the fifth inning of a 3-2, extra-innings loss to the New York Mets on Aug. 25, 2026. The decision by manager Pat Murphy followed Pratt’s defensive mistakes, which he described as “inexcusable” and a failure to meet the team’s standards. The incident highlighted the high stakes of maintaining discipline and focus at the professional level. Pratt’s errors occurred during critical moments in the game. In his first at-bat against left-hander Zac Thornton, he fouled off a bunt attempt with two runners on base, then pulled back on a strike, allowing the batter to reach second. In the fifth inning, Pratt failed to hustle out a potential double after a bunt attempt. First base coach Spencer Allen had instructed Pratt to advance to second base, but the rookie’s awkward follow-through to his swing hindered his ability to stretch the play. The ball rolled away from right fielder Carson Benge before he retrieved it, leaving Pratt with a single. After the game, Pratt addressed reporters at his locker, wiping away tears as he acknowledged his shortcomings. “I’ve got to be better,” he said. “It’s stuff that can’t happen. It’s not winning baseball. I didn’t help the team win, and it won’t happen again, that’s for sure.” He repeated the phrase “won’t happen again” multiple times and emphasized that his actions were “inexcusable.” Pratt also stated he had no conversation with Murphy after the game, insisting he understood the team’s expectations. “There’s a certain way we play here,” he said. “I may be new, but it doesn’t matter. It’s the way we’re taught through the organization. I didn’t do that. I will do that. No excuses.#new_york_mets #milwaukee_brewers #pat_murphy #cooper_pratt #spencer_allen
