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Chicago Cubs manager provides status update for two key players

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Chicago Cubs, Craig Counsell

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell made the news official on where outfielder Seiya Suzuki and right-hander Javier Assad will begin the season.

More News: Chicago Cubs: Suzuki will miss Opener, Conforto to make roster

According to Counsell, via Marquee Sports Network, Suzuki will start the season on the injured list (knee), and Assad got optioned to Triple-A. Suzuki injured his knee while sliding into second base playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

In four World Baseball Classic games, Suzuki hit two home runs, drove in five RBI, and walked six times. In 6.2 innings (three games), the 28-year-old Assad had a 1.35 ERA and eight strikeouts. Assad had a 4.50 ERA in two games with Mexico during the World Baseball Classic. 

Other Chicago Cubs need to step up in Seiya Suzuki’s absence

Chicago Cubs, Seiya Suzuki, Shohei Ohtani
Mar 14, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Japan center fielder Seiya Suzuki (51) exits the game after an apparent injury against Venezuela in the first inning during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Suzuki is one of the Cubs’ main power hitters — smashing 32 home runs last season — which leaves a void that others need to fill. First baseman Michael Busch (34) and centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (31) were the only other 30+ home run hitters last season.

Busch and Crow-Armstrong will provide decent pop, but others will need to step up. Shortstop Dansby Swanson hit 24 home runs last season and hit nine combined between April and May. The Gold Glover also has two home runs and nine RBI this spring.

Third baseman Alex Bregman will also need to provide some pop — hitting 18 home runs last season and two this spring. Bregman had 11 home runs between April and May last year. Like Swanson, Bregman also has two home runs.

Sadly, the Chicago Cubs didn’t have a place for Javier Assad

Javier Assad, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies
Aug 30, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Javier Assad (72) celebrates after a strikeout to end the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Despite him doing well, the Cubs didn’t have a place on the 26-man roster for Assad. A swing-man (both a starter and reliever), the Cubs already have right-hander Colin Rea to fill that role. Rea had a 3.10 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 20.1 innings.

Assad also had no place in the starting rotation. Left-handers Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, and right-handers Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, and Jameson Taillon will be the starting five to begin the season. Right-hander Ben Brown will also make the Opening Day roster, offering Counsell another swing-man option. 

Assad will likely get work in the Iowa Cubs rotation to keep him ready to start in case of an injury.

The post Chicago Cubs manager provides status update for two key players appeared first on ChiCitySports.


Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-manager-provides-update-on-two-players/


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