Seiya Suzuki return timeline becoming clear after Craig Counsell update

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell has revealed a clear timeline for when fans can expect to see Seiya Suzuki return to the team's starting lineup. Suzuki opened the season on the IL after suffering a PCL sprain during the World Baseball Classic with Team Japan, and he's starting a minor-league rehab assignment on Friday with Double-A Knoxville.

It's worth noting that the Knoxville will have all home games during Suzuki's rehab stint. An important detail, as it likely allows for Suzuki to get in as many games as possible, considering he hasn't had game action since the middle of March. Suzuki is eligible to be activated off the IL as of today, but the impression at the start of the week was that he would need a minor-league assignment before returning to the big-league club.

As for the Cubs, they start their first road trip of the season this weekend with a three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians. The short end of Suzuki's timeline would place his return ahead of the series against the Tampa Bay Rays next week. The long-end would mark Suzuki's return for their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field a week from Friday.

Seiya Suzuki's return should lead to the Cubs making an inevitable roster move.

The Cubs haven't exactly been getting the strongest of production from right field to open the season. Matt Shaw only has 2 hits in his first 12 plate appearances this season, while veteran Michael Conforto is hitless through his first 7 plate appearances with 5 strikeouts. Strangely, the Cubs have opted against giving Dylan Carlson a look in right field through their first week of games.

As the Cubs' offense has struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities at the start of the season, the return of Suzuki should help stabilize the lineup.

Regarding the corresponding roster move that will take place once Suzuki returns, the initial impression had been that Scott Kinger would be the veteran optioned to Triple-A Iowa. Instead, Conforto's struggles, a continuation from when he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, may have shifted the conversation.

Designating Conforto for assignment may be the move for the Cubs, especially if they want to have another backup infielder on the roster in addition to Shaw.