Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy benched rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt during Tuesday night's road game against the New York Mets after Pratt failed to run hard on a fifth-inning popup. The ball fell in for a single, but Pratt was pulled for a pinch runner moments after reaching first base.

Murphy, the two-time defending National League Manager of the Year, emphasized the importance of focus for a team with baseball's best record at 81-31. Pratt, who signed an eight-year, $50.75 million contract with the Brewers, acknowledged his mistake afterward. "There is no excuse," Pratt said. "I should've ran hard no matter if it's foul or fair."

The 22-year-old Pratt, selected by Milwaukee in the sixth round of the 2023 amateur draft, spoke with veteran teammate Sal Frelick in the dugout after being pulled. Murphy expressed belief in Pratt but stressed expectations. The Brewers lost 3-2 in 10 innings but continue pursuing their first World Series appearance since 1982 and a fourth straight NL Central crown.