Cubs’ Ian Happ trying to keep level head after two-game benching

Cubs left fielder Ian Happ is trying to keep a level head after being benched for the second consecutive game Sunday.

“That’s the hard part,” Happ told the Sun-Times after the Cubs lost to the Astros 8-5 for their eighth consecutive defeat. “[It’s] really to focus on your process and your work and what you’re trying to accomplish.

“It’s a team sport, so everybody’s going through it together and feeling the frustration and bringing that positive attitude every day, and you’re understanding that this thing isn’t gonna last. We’re gonna win a series and get rolling.”

It would help if Happ got rolling. His batting average has plummeted to .214, second-lowest among Cubs regulars behind shortstop Dansby Swanson, who also was given Sunday off. Manager Craig Counsell told Happ on Saturday not to even pick up a bat. Happ did some work Sunday and said the time off was “productive.”

“Sometimes it’s good to just watch nine innings and have a reset,” Happ said. “I was ready to come into the game [Sunday]. You don’t get any days to work without playing, so having a couple days to work on the swing is nice.”

“He’ll be back in there [Monday in Pittsburgh],” Counsell said. “I thought two days was best for Ian right here.”

Happ said he isn’t thinking about his contract status. He’s in the last season of a three-year, $61 million contract, and he has seen the Cubs give Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner nine-figure deals this year.

“No. You’re so focused on the process and what you’re going through,” Happ said. “That stuff works itself out when it does.”