Cubs have made it painfully clear who will be ousted once Seiya Suzuki returns

Seiya Suzuki is expected to make his return to the Chicago Cubs' starting lineup on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was a successful rehab assignment for Suzuki with Double-A Knoxville, collecting 6 hits in 17 plate appearances with 2 doubles. His presence is needed, but it will also lead to an early change for the Cubs' bench.

Suzuki is viewed as the Cubs' primary right fielder moving forward, and Matt Shaw will return to a utility role on the bench. Initially, it seemed like the obvious move was going to be the Cubs putting a quick end to the Michael Conforto experiment.

Conforto's striking out over 35% of the time through 20 plate appearances this season, and while that could ultimately lead to his undoing, he currently has a wRC+ of 118. Even if that mark is carried by his ability to draw walks, it represents a level of production the Cubs haven't had on the bench in quite some time.

Conforto shouldn't be viewed as someone who is going to get an extended look in the outfield, but the early returns on his bat will likely keep him around for a little bit longer.

Dylan Carlson seems to have already fallen out of favor with the Cubs.

Assuming Conforto is safe, that leaves utility infielder Scott Kingery or former St. Louis Cardinals top prospect Dylan Carlson as the ones in jeopardy of losing their roster spot. Neither has seen the field all that often during the first two weeks of the regular season, but Carlson's role on the team is somewhat redundant.

The strongest case Carlson would have to remain on the roster would be the fact that he hits from both sides of the plate. With Shaw and Miguel Amaya being the primary right-handed hitters on the bench, and Conforto from the left side, Carlson being a switch-hitter isn't exactly a reason to keep him around. Especially considering he only has four plate appearances.

Kingery has the speed to be the Cubs' primary pinch-runner late in games. Not to mention, the versatility that allows him to play all over the infield and some outfield is something the Cubs prefer to have on their bench. Kingery may not be long for the Cubs' roster either, but for now, it seems that Carlson is going to be the odd man out when Suzuki is activated on Friday.