Seiya Suzuki's imminent return forces a tough roster decision. Who makes way for the slugger? One outfielder is likely headed out.
The Chicago Cubs will be welcoming back outfielder Seiya Suzuki sometime next week.
Suzuki is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Friday at Double-A Knoxville to continue his ramp-up process. His rehab assignment should last only three to seven days, according to manager Craig Counsell.
That puts Suzuki in a prime spot to return next week. His earliest return date could be on Monday when the Cubs take on the Tampa Bay Rays, while the latest he could return is next weekend against the Pirates at home.
Once Suzuki is ready to return from the 10-day injured list, the Cubs have a decision to make. They will need to make way for the slugger on the 26-man roster, which means someone on the current roster will either be optioned or designated for assignment.
The three players who are in jeopardy of losing their spot on the roster are Scott Kingery, Michael Conforto, and Dylan Carlson. One of these three players will be the corresponding move for Suzuki next week.
There’s a good chance that Kingery’s spot is safe on the roster. Although he hasn’t logged any at-bats and has only come on as a pinch runner through the first six games, his versatility in the field probably keeps him on the roster a bit longer.
Kingery has experience playing second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield spots in his career. That gives the Cubs two players who can play almost every position on the field. Matt Shaw is the other off the bench.
Therefore, Suzuki will probably replace Conforto or Carlson on the roster once he is fully healthy. That makes the most sense because the North Siders might not want five players on their roster who only play the outfield.
There is a case for both players to be the corresponding move for Suzuki.
Michael Conforto has not looked great in his limited plate appearances this season. He is 0-for-6 with one walk and five strikeouts and has a whopping 66.7% whiff rate. It’s definitely a small sample size, but the quality of those at-bats wasn't encouraging.
Then, there’s Carlson. He has yet to appear in a game with the Cubs and seems to be the odd man out in the outfield. Conforto has drawn two starts in right field, while Shaw started the other four games at the position.
With Suzuki expected to return soon, one of those two outfielders will probably lose their spot on the 26-man roster. Carlson could be the one to go.