The injury bug has struck Chicago Cubs spring training once again. Left fielder Ian Happ is being sidelined with a mild left hamstring strain.
The good news is that the Cubs believe he can be ready to go for Opening Day. Resting Happ now would prove beneficial in reaching that goal.
Still, it's not encouraging to hear that one of the most important players on the roster will miss some time. But if the worst-case scenario is that Happ's absence stretches into the regular season, the Cubs certainly have serviceable options.
With Seiya Suzuki penciled in at right field, the other two outfield spots would then be up for grabs. Alexander Canario, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Mike Tauchman would likely reap the benefits.
It would seem all but certain that Crow-Armstrong would join the team on the Opening Day roster in this case. During Spring Training, the Cubs' heralded prospect is hitting .250 across 16 plate appearances. If he can finish camp strong, it would help soften the blow of a potential Happ absence.
Brennen Davis could potentially receive a big-league promotion as well. However, his dominant camp has been recently stalled due to a concussion. The hope is that the outfielder will only have to miss a few days.
As Spring Training progresses, manager Craig Counsell will now be afforded extra looks to the remaining outfielders, something that could prove beneficial for the 2024 regular season.
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