MESA, Ariz. — Not so fast.
The Cubs may wait until they break spring training Tuesday to finalize their Opening Day roster.
“We still have some balls in the air with the bullpen and the bat,” president Jed Hoyer said Sunday.
The recovery of Seiya Suzuki’s right knee is holding up the makeup of the Cubs’ bench. If Suzuki, who was fitted with a new brace Friday, is headed to the 10-day injured list (which seems likely), that could improve the chances of outfielder Dylan Carlson and Kevin Alcantara joining Michael Conforto. Outfielder Chas McCormick missed time because of right shoulder discomfort and was informed he won’t make the Opening Day roster.
Infielder Scott Kingery, another non-roster invitee, remains in camp. But Hoyer said he would feel comfortable if Matt Shaw is the lone backup infielder. Starting second baseman Nico Hoerner played shortstop on Friday against the Athletics, and manager Craig Counsell described his performance as “interesting.”
The Cubs would need to make room on their 40-man roster should Carlson make the team. Reliever Porter Hodge (right flexor strain) and left-hander Justin Steele could be transferred to the 60-day IL, although Hodge is scheduled to resume throwing at the end of the week and Steele might be ready before May 24 – the earliest he could return from a 60-day stint.
Ben Brown and Javier Assad are battling for the last spot in the bullpen, with Brown thought to have an edge. Both pitchers were stretched out in the event starting pitching help is needed, but veteran Colin Rea fulfilled that role last year and threw four innings and 77 pitches Saturday against the Mariners.
Hoyer acknowledged the Cubs are scouring the waiver wire for potential upgrades.
“The timing is hard, … but you never want the inconvenience of that to hurt make the right decision.”
The Cubs haven’t decided whether Suzuki will accompany the team to Chicago to continue his rehab or remain in Arizona.
“Things are moving in the right direction, but it’s a long season,” Hoyer said. “We don’t want to do anything for a couple days early that would hurt us later on.”
Not-so-gentle Ben
Brown has received rave reviews from Counsell and Hoyer, and Brown emphasized that a rough 2025 has helped made him better equipped to handle any role he’s asked to fill
“I think adversity can be a beautiful thing,” Brown said. “You learn a lot from it. And I’m thankful for the opportunity to go back out there this year and and have a fresh start, and kind of know what I need to do to compete and to be ready every day or every other day, whatever the case may be. And it’s encouraging.”
Brown hasn’t allowed a home run while striking out 17 over 11 2/3 spring innings, thanks in part to adding a sinker. Brown struck out 121 in 106 1/3 innings last year, but he allowed 18 homers and posted a 5.92 ERA.
Prospects sidelined
Outfielder Ethan Conrad, the Cubs’ first pick in the 2025 draft, is sidelined because of a back injury and is expected to miss one month, said Jason Kanzler, director of player development.
“There was no acute injury event,” Kanzler said. “And now we’re obviously going to manage it under our expert medical care and make sure that it comes back strong.”
Conrad has yet to play in a professional game because of a left labrum tear suffered last spring while playing for Wake Forest.
“He’s got tools,” Kanzler said. “We’re just going to manage this right now so we can get him back in the field.”
Outfielder Josiah Hartshorn, a sixth-round pick in 2025 who made a favorable impression this spring, didn’t play in the Spring Breakout Game Saturday after jamming his shoulder while running into a fence. But Hartshorn returned for a minor league game Sunday, Kanzler said.
Back to the minors
Infielder Jonathan Long and pitchers Corbin Martin and Colin Snider were returned to minor-league camp.
Cubs 12, Brewers 0
Alex Bregman didn’t fall into any bad habits during his stint in the World Baseball Classic, as he cranked a home run and yanked a double that sparked a three-run fifth. Moises Ballesteros poked a pair of opposite field doubles to left.
• Matt Shaw continues to show confidence he can handle right field, as evidenced by getting into proper position before catching flies by Jeferson Quero and Marco Dinges in the first two innings.
• After loading the bases with two out and a 12-0 lead, Ben Brown received a mound visit. Brown responded by striking out Jadyn Fielder on a 89-mph knuckle curve to end the eighth.
• On deck: Yankees at Cubs, 2:05 p.m. Monday, Mesa, 670-AM, 104.3-FM, Carlos Lagrange vs. Shota Imanaga.