Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ said Wednesday he supports the team’s decision to reduce his playing time against left-handed pitching following the recent acquisition of Tyrone Taylor.

Speaking on 104.3 The Score, Happ addressed the shift in his role after the Cubs obtained the veteran outfielder from the New York Mets earlier this month.

“I’m happy to have Tyrone here. He’s a great player who’s been around a long time and does a lot of things well. So for me, this year I haven’t been great against lefties. I’ll get some opportunities and get it right,” Happ said.

“Obviously, as a competitor you want to be in there as much as you possibly can. But for us and this group, it’s about winning as many ballgames as we can and however the coaching staff feels we can do that best.”

The comments came as the Cubs continued a strong stretch, sitting at 70-50 and second in the National League Central, four games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. The team has climbed to a season-best 20 games over .500 after winning seven of its previous eight contests entering Wednesday’s series against the Washington Nationals.

Happ, a switch-hitter who has been a regular in left field for years, has struggled markedly against left-handers in 2026. He entered the week batting .154 with a .517 OPS in 128 plate appearances against southpaws, including four home runs. Against right-handers, his numbers improve to a .240 average, .359 on-base percentage and .470 slugging percentage with 16 homers in far more opportunities.

Manager Craig Counsell made clear after the trade deadline that Taylor would see significant time against lefties. The right-handed-hitting Taylor posted a .301 average and .900 OPS in 77 plate appearances versus left-handed pitching with the Mets this season before the deal.

The Cubs acquired Taylor and pitcher Clay Holmes from New York on Aug. 3 in exchange for infield prospect Jefferson Rojas. Counsell noted that Happ would still face some left-handers but that Taylor provides a clear option for those matchups.

“Ian’s still going to play against some lefties,” Counsell said shortly after the trade. “But Tyrone gives us somebody, he’s going to get at-bats against left-handed pitching, for sure, and we’ll just take it from there.”

Taylor made an immediate impact in the lineup, starting in left field against left-handers in the days following his arrival. Happ has come off the bench in those situations, often entering later against right-handed relievers.

Happ, 31, has been a steady contributor for the Cubs since his debut in 2017. He has shown power from both sides of the plate over his career but has long posted stronger results as a left-handed hitter against right-handers. This season his overall line sits at .216 with 20 home runs and 51 RBIs through more than 400 at-bats.

The platoon arrangement aims to boost production from left field as the Cubs push for a playoff spot. Chicago has remained competitive in a tight National League race, relying on timely hitting and improved pitching depth from deadline additions.

Happ emphasized the collective goal over individual playing time during his radio appearance. He acknowledged his own struggles against lefties while expressing readiness to contribute whenever called upon.

Taylor, 32, brings defensive versatility and recent offensive success against southpaws. He hit .241 with 10 home runs overall for the Mets before the trade and has a reputation for strong outfield play, having once gone hundreds of games without an error earlier in his career.

The Cubs face a left-handed starter in Washington on Wednesday night, setting up another potential start for Taylor in left field. Jackson Kent is scheduled to make his major league debut for the Nationals.

For Happ, the reduced role marks a notable change after years as an everyday player. He has started the majority of games this season and remains a key veteran presence in the clubhouse.

Team president Jed Hoyer has pointed to the need for right-handed bat options off the bench and in the lineup against lefties, a gap the Taylor addition was intended to fill amid other injury concerns.

As the season enters its final stretch, the Cubs will continue evaluating matchups daily. Happ’s willingness to accept the situation could help maintain clubhouse harmony while the team prioritizes wins.

The outfielder indicated he plans to use any opportunities against left-handers to improve his performance in those situations. With the Cubs in contention, the focus remains on maximizing the roster’s strengths down the stretch.