Cubs’ Craig Counsell Makes Seiya Suzuki Decision After Roster Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Macedo | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 2:06 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have opened their 2026 campaign to a slow start, entering Friday's slate of games sitting in last place in the National League Central. Even after back-to-back wins over the Tampa Bay Rays, they still sit an even 6-6 through the first two weeks of play.

To keep the streak going of good news, the Cubs announced that Seiya Suzuki would be return to the active roster before Friday’s contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had missed the team's previous 12 games.

The 31-year old outfielder started the season on the IL after suffering a minor PCL strain during the World Baseball Classic with Team Japan. However, Chicago's manager Craig Counsell made a decision on Suzuki's playing time now that he has officially rejoined the team. Counsell shared that Suzuki will not yet play everyday, as he still continues to recover from that lingering injury (h/t Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network).

Seiya Suzuki will not play everyday on his return ,per Craig Counsell.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) April 10, 2026

Suzuki began his rehab assignment with Double-A affiliate Knoxville last week, and showed that he was ready to return to the majors. He recorded two doubles, a walk and a three-hit outing across five games.

To make room for Suzuki’s return, outfielder Dylan Carlson was designated for assignment. Carlson was a key part of the Cubs’ during Spring Training, but had only played in three games of the season to this point. He went 0-4 with one run scored.

“Seiya, last year, he was arguably one of our best hitters. Hit for power, got on base,” teammate Matt Shaw said on Tuesday via MLB.com. “So having him is putting one of the best hitters in the Major Leagues in your lineup. I think that's going to be absolutely pivotal for us.”

Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27). © Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

He will immediately improve the depth for the outfielders as Chicago looks to continue their winning ways and climb the rankings, but his limited playing time will also keep Shaw and Michael Conforto in the lineup cards often.

Limiting Suzuki’s playing time will be key in ensuring that he is able to return to his 2025 form while also maintaining his longevity for the team.

He has a career .274 batting average and a .467 slugging percentage with runners on. Suzuki led the team with 103 RBIs and has been a staple hitter of the Cubs’ lineup. Suzuki is in the final year five-year, $85 million contract and will enter unrestricted free agency this offseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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