Craig Counsell avoids Seiya Suzuki injury update but hints at Cubs outfield plan

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell did not provide an injury update on Seiya Suzuki while speaking with reporters on Sunday. Suzuki was injured while sliding headfirst into second base in the first inning of Japan's World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Venezuela. Suzuki was removed from the game, and by this point, should be back in Arizona with the Cubs.

It's important to note that this is standard procedure. For Cubs fans curious as to why Suzuki didn't undergo immediate imaging, it's par for the course for injured players during the World Baseball Classic. When it was believed that Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña had fractured his finger in the Dominican Republic's exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers, the injury was not confirmed until he returned to the Astros' camp and was evaluated by the team's training staff.

Cubs remain in a holding pattern with Seiya Suzuki's injury during the World Baseball Classic.

If you have a "glass half full" of how the Cubs handle injuries, the good news is that Suzuki's injury wasn't to the extent that he was unable to travel back to Arizona and didn't require immediate testing. Of course, there's also fear in what you don't know, so the anxiety will remain until there's a clear update.

If Suzuki's injury is to the extent that he won't be ready in time for Opening Day, that would dramatically alter the plans for the Cubs' Opening Day roster. It would seem likely that Chas McCormick makes the roster and is joined by Michael Conforto and Dylan Carlson on the bench.

Despite the bench having three experienced outfielders, Counsell confirmed that Matt Shaw would be the primary right fielder in place of an injured Suzuki. Shaw has embraced the utility role with the Cubs during spring training, and outside of the outfield, he's expected to be the primary backup at second base, third base, and shortstop.

One thing is clear: the Cubs aren't equipped to be without Suzuki for a significant portion of the season. They certainly can get by with Shaw in right field if the veteran outfielder is going to miss a week or two at the start of the season, but if it's a lengthy trip to the IL for Suzuki, the Cubs will enter the season with a clear need in their starting lineup.