MESA, Ariz. — Craig Counsell is not exactly cheering against his players but the new Cubs manager believes in the power of learning from mistakes.

That’s why Counsell actually wants to see mistakes and players work through experiences during a time like now, when the results do not ultimately matter in Spring Training.

“Frankly, I want mistakes because you learn from mistakes,” Counsell said. “I want action — balls hit to you. That’s what I’m rooting for in the game.”

He was talking specifically about Christopher Morel, who is transitioning to third base full time.

Counsell said he wanted a lot of balls hit to Morel in the game and he got his wish. The Angels sent a lot Morel’s way Wednesday, including a couple of bunts.

Morel committed a couple of errors, dropping a line drive that hit off his glove and overthrowing first base.

It was part of a game in which the Cubs committed 4 errors (pitcher Justin Steele and infield prospect B.J. Murray Jr. also had throwing errors) but still won (6-5).

For Counsell, he doesn’t want to evaluate Morel’s defense at third base on a daily basis. He and the Cubs are looking at the big picture.

“This is not something we’re assessing over six weeks, either. This is something to assess over a long period of time to just keep getting better,” Counsell said. “And we could assess every player in that spectrum, right?

“What we’re accomplishing with this is consistency of work. And it’s a daily consistency. Lots of reps. … He’s on the field every morning and getting that accomplished and so we’re in good shape.”

Morel started out his career as an infielder and the most experience he has at any position is at third base. He made 153 starts at the hot corner in the minor leagues but has just 20 in the big leagues (and only 4 came last season).

He spent most of 2023 as a DH but also saw time at second base and in the outfield.

Morel’s best position might be second base but the Cubs already have a Gold Glover there in Nico Hoerner. The outfield is set with Cody Bellinger in center, Seiya Suzuki in right and Ian Happ in left while veteran Mike Tauchman is the team’s fourth outfielder plus prospects Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alexander Canario also in the mix.

Over the offseason, the Cubs worked to determine a defensive home for Morel and they landed on third base this spring. That is where he has focused his work throughout camp and he projects as the team’s starting third baseman this season.

Bellinger’s debut

Bellinger made his first Cactus League appearance Wednesday as the designated hitter.

He went 0-for-2 with a walk but the free pass was an impressive, 11-pitch plate appearance:

Quite the battle for Cody Bellinger in his first game action of the spring.

11-pitch PA that ultimately ended in a walk. pic.twitter.com/9pRqvLw8Vw

— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) March 6, 2024

The plan is for Bellinger to play the field Friday when the Cubs have a split squad between Sloan Park and the Diamondbacks field.

Injury updates

The Cubs have a host of injury issues right now.

Right-handed pitcher Caleb Kilian came out of Tuesday night’s game with shoulder discomfort and is heading for an MRI. The extent of the injury is unknown but anytime a pitcher undergoes an MRI on his shoulder, it is certainly cause for concern.

Nick Madrigal is also getting an MRI on his right hamstring. He exited Monday’s game with what was initially deemed as a cramp but the issue has lingered.

“I don’t want to diagnose it but I think we’re in pretty good shape here,” Counsell said. “But we’re gonna be cautious with the time of the year and his history.”

Madrigal needed surgery to repair a torn hamstring in 2021 and has been on the IL with leg injuries in each of the past two seasons.

Patrick Wisdom (quad) took part in a sim game Tuesday and is progressing well. Counsell said Wisdom will likely return to game action this weekend, potentially on Friday or Saturday.

Outfielder Brennen Davis (concussion) restarted baseball activities after several days of rest.

The big news was the return to batting practice for Ian Happ. He left the Cubs’ game on Feb. 29 with a hamstring strain and has been out of action since.

Happ initially felt the hamstring issue during an outfield drill before last Thursday’s game but thought it was tightness. When it didn’t improve during the game, he didn’t want to push it and ultimately exited.

He has no doubt he will be ready to go by March 28.

“Yeah, plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day,” Happ said. “We have experience with this now with a couple of shortened springs. Just working off that.”

Wednesday was a big step in his return, though there is no exact timeline for when he will play in a game.

“It’s a slow process,” he said. “It’s Spring Training — not gonna push anything. But feeling good. I’ve been doing a lot of work in the weight room, training room.

“Good to be back on the field taking swings. It all feels good and healthy.”

Due to the shortened camps in recent springs, Happ has experience getting the necessary at-bats in before Opening Day. Even if he is not playing in Cactus League games, he can see live pitching on the backfields at the Cubs complex or in live BP sessions.

Next up

Hayden Wesneski takes the ball for the Cubs Thursday night against the Reds. Coverage begins on Marquee Sports Network at 7 p.m.