Alexander Canario promotion raises injury concern for Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Alexander Canario appears to be getting another look at the Major League level.

During his Monday morning hit on ESPN 1000, Jesse Rogers reported that the Cubs are promoting Canario from Triple-A Iowa ahead of their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Canario was among the final group of players in consideration for the final spot on the Cubs' bench but the spot ultimately went to utility infielder Miles Mastrobuoni. Part of the reason for Canario beginning the season with Triple-A Iowa would be the opportunity that he has to get regular plate appearances.

That was not an opportunity that existed at the Major League level given the three outfield spots were filled with core members of the starting lineup and Mike Tauchman getting most of the designated hitter spots against right-handed starting pitchers.

Alexander Canario's reported promotion suggests an IL trip is in the cards for a Chicago Cubs position player.

Considering that the move has yet to be officially announced by the Cubs, it remains unclear what the corresponding move will be in order to make room for Canario on the roster. The fear is that one of the Cubs' starting position players is on the verge of being placed on the IL.

There were no noted injuries revealed by Craig Counsell after the team's series against the Seattle Mariners but social media speculation has suggested Christopher Morel or Seiya Suzuki may be the injured player. Suzuki was the team's designated hitter on Sunday but that isn't something that sounded off alarm bells given how Counsell has used the designated hitter's spot this season.

Canario was a September call-up for the Cubs last season but spent most of the month on the bench as former manager David Ross refused to play the prospect regularly. The hope is that Canario gets consistent plate appearances in his second stint at the Major League level.