Cubs News: Jaxon Wiggins injury scare, Matthew Boyd rehab assignment, and Seiya Suzuki

The Chicago Cubs' pitching depth has been questioned this past week with injuries to Cade Horton and Matthew Boyd, and now, the team is currently monitoring a concern for top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins.

Wiggins was not listed among the probables for the Iowa Cubs, and that led to some baseless speculation that he could be earmarked for a promotion. In reality, the Cubs were monitoring his innings. It's a similar strategy they had last season for Wiggins, but Jed Hoyer did add a layer of concern on Friday.

Hoyer confirmed that Wiggins is currently dealing with a sore arm. Wiggins did previously have Tommy John surgery, so it speaks to the added level of caution the Cubs have had with his development.

If nothing else, news of Wiggins dealing with a sore arm is even more confirmation that his debut this season shouldn't be viewed as an expectation. There certainly is a path for him to have an impact with the big-league team before the end of the season, but not to the extent that the Cubs will accelerate his timeline.

Cubs News: Matthew Boyd will need a minor-league rehab assignment

Matthew Boyd will start a minor-league rehab assignment next week. When Boyd was placed on the IL earlier this week, the Cubs were expecting him to miss the minimum amount of time. The concern with Boyd's bicep strain was with his recovery after starts, and not anything he was experiencing while pitching.

The biggest question facing Boyd's return is who will move to the bullpen. Both Colin Rea and Javier Assad are in the starting rotation, but it would seem that one of those two will move back to a swing role once Boyd returns.

Cubs News: Seiya Suzuki will be eased back into the starting lineup

Seiya Suzuki made his season debut for the Cubs on Friday, but the team will be playing it safe with his return. Craig Counsell confirmed that Suzuki will have off days sprinkled over the next couple of weeks. Suzuki is still viewed as the team's primary right fielder, but as he ramps back up, there likely will be a game or two where he serves as the team's designated hitter.

In Suzuki's absence, Matt Shaw has proved capable of handling things in right field, so much so that Shaw may already be viewed as a starting outfielder for the Cubs in 2027.

Cautious remains the theme for the Cubs. At this point in the season, there's no need to have their foot firmly on the gas pedal. That time will come. For now, the goal is to make sure Suzuki, among others, is healthy.