Seiya Suzuki Update Headlines Cubs’ Latest Roster Moves

Throughout the last week, the most likely option for Opening Day right field has been youngster Matt Shaw, who has been moved into a utility role at this point. Shaw, however, has not played any professional outfield before this spring and has made several concerning errors.

Shaw has had a very strong spring with the bat, but other, more experienced options include Michael Conforto, Chas McCormick, and Dylan Carlson as guys who could fill in. Kevin Alcantara is also expected to be an option if the Shaw experiment goes poorly.

Regardless, while the roster decisions seem to be done, Chicago has some more tough waters to wade through in the coming days.

Cubs are running out of time before Opening Day

Chicago has seemingly decided how the bullpen is going to be aligned with Brown making it over Assad and likely playing the swingman role. However, Suzuki's spot needs to be locked down if it isn't already.

Ultimately, by all accounts, it sounds like it will be a relatively short absence for Suzuki, so it may be able to be filled by someone like Shaw for a couple of weeks, but if the Cubs are concerned about his defense, perhaps it could go another way, to more of a committee situation.

Suzuki is one of the most important hitters on the team, though, and until he finds his way back in the lineup healthy, it's going to be some tough sledding for this offense coming out of the gate as they pursue their first championship in a decade starting this week.