Cubs reveal Seiya Suzuki return date but tough roster decision now looms ahead

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed that Seiya Suzuki will continue his minor-league rehab assignment through Wednesday with Double-A Knoxville and will return to the Chicago Cubs on Friday when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. After an inconsistent start from the Cubs' starting lineup this season, Suzuki's return could be an early boost for the team.

During the weekend, Suzuki's bat appeared to be ready. The 31-year-old outfielder collected 3 hits in 10 plate appearances with 2 RBI. With the Cubs playing on turf the next three days against the Tampa Bay Rays, it's entirely possible that played a factor in the team's decision to hold off on Suzuki's return until their return to Wrigley Field this weekend.

There's also the matter of who is off the roster once Suzuki returns. On Opening Day, conventional wisdom would have pointed to Scott Kingery being the corresponding roster move. Kingery has minor-league options remaining, allowing him to be kept in the organization as added infield depth.

The Cubs will have a curious roster decision to make once Seiya Suzuki returns.

Since then, the conversation may have shifted. Matt Shaw is still viewed as the team's primary backup infielder, but Nico Hoerner's contract extension has placed his future with the team in the outfield. Assuming the goal is for Shaw to get as many opportunities in the outfield as possible, Kingery may stick around as added infield depth.

There's reason to believe the Cubs could lean toward adding infield depth over keeping an outfielder on the roster. Even though it took Dylan Carlson a week and a half to register his first plate appearance with the Cubs, his ability to play center field could be what keeps him on the roster.

It feels like it's inevitable that the Cubs reach a point this season where they want to end the Michael Conforto. Since 2014, the organization has always had a soft spot for Conforto, and after his struggles with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, they were able to get him on the cheap. The Cubs were given a reminder over the weekend that Conforto shouldn't be viewed as a defensive option in the outfield.

Entering play on Monday, Conforto only has 1 hit in his first 10 plate appearances this season, with 5 strikeouts. If his bat isn't making a case to stay on the roster, he simply shouldn't be with the Cubs. Perhaps that is why the Cubs punted Suzuki's return to the weekend, offering one final look at Conforto before ending his run.