MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs continue to navigate health challenges as left-hander Jordan Wicks deals with left forearm inflammation, while veteran infielder Tyler Austin recently underwent knee surgery that will keep him sidelined for months. The team remains hopeful that Wicks’ recovery will be short-term, allowing him to contribute soon, but Austin’s absence has already impacted the Cubs’ bench depth heading into the new season.
Tyler Austin’s Surgery and Its Impact on Cubs Depth
Tyler Austin, signed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract last December, had surgery Tuesday for a right knee patellar tendon debridement after his knee issues worsened during spring training. Manager Craig Counsell explained Austin’s history of knee problems and acknowledged that his right knee did not respond well in camp, necessitating the procedure. Prior to joining the Cubs, Austin spent six years playing in Japan with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
Counsell expressed that Austin’s injury closes the door on his anticipated role as a key bench player, saying,
“It’s opportunity for others — he had an inside track,”
and added,
“So, it’s an option that’s off the table right now.”
With Austin unavailable, the Cubs will rely more heavily on Michael Busch, who is expected to receive everyday playing time at first base. Backup options include Jonathon Long, Moisés Ballesteros, and Miguel Amaya, the latter of whom has some minor league experience at first with 36 starts. Additionally, Matt Shaw plans to incorporate first-base pregame drills during camp to increase his readiness.
Manager Counsell emphasized the unpredictability of spring training roster decisions:
“You’ve got to go through this exercise in spring training of backup plans on top of backup plans, and you just can’t be covered ideally in every single situation,”
adding,
“This may change where we are very deep to a place we’re not very deep.”
He also noted Long’s versatility and proximity to the major league team, stating,
“(Long), whether he’s with the big-league team or whether he’s in Triple A, he’s a day away, if that makes sense. Moisés, the catchers can play there in emergency situations. Basically I think everybody can play there in an emergency situation.”
Jordan Wicks’ Forearm Inflammation and Recovery Timeline
The Cubs remain cautious with Jordan Wicks, who has been sidelined for several days due to inflammation in his left forearm. An MRI ruled out issues with Wicks’ ulnar collateral ligament, and while the exact source of the discomfort remains undetermined, managers report that his arm is responding positively to rest. Counsell anticipates Wicks’ absence will last days rather than weeks and shared,
“Hope to have a little more recovery time and then begin throwing shortly.”
At 26 years old, Wicks was aiming to use a strong spring training performance to secure a spot on the opening-day roster, even if that meant beginning the season as a reliever. The Cubs view him as an important figure within their rotation depth, a critical asset given the demands of a full season.
Percy Taillon’s Spring Training Performance and Upcoming Role
Right-hander Percy Taillon made his penultimate Cactus League start before departing to join Team Canada at the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Taillon’s two-inning effort had mixed results, including surrendering two home runs during the Cubs’ 14-7 loss on Wednesday. The first came on the opening pitch from Colorado Rockies’ Mickey Moniak, followed by a home run off a hanging changeup from T.J. Rumfield early in the second inning.
Taillon evaluated his outing critically, saying,
“I’ve got to stop giving up homers,”
and,
“But they weren’t hit crazy hard, so we’re OK.”
He also addressed difficulties with his changeup:
“I thought the changeup stunk today, and that’s just disappointing because it’s been really good on my side work, so just kind of figuring out where my hand is on that in the game versus where it’s at in the bullpen and how to sync those up.”
Despite these setbacks, Taillon expressed confidence in his pitching form:
“I actually thought today felt a lot better. Just been working on a lot of stuff on the side, and I thought the velo ticked up a little bit. I thought just the overall feeling of crispness ticked up.”
His efforts to refine the shape and velocity of his cutter have shown progress, with an increase to 87.2 mph this year from 85.8 mph last season.
Taillon’s upcoming participation in the WBC represents a continuation of his international career. Before, he competed for Canada in the 2013 tournament when he had not yet reached Triple A. He has personal ties to Canada, with his maternal grandmother having emigrated there as a refugee from Hungary during World War II and both his parents being raised in the country.
Speaking about his WBC involvement, Taillon told the Tribune,
“I want to do really well, and I want to win and advance and all that, but I’m also trying to do right by the Cubs, like, make sure I’m my best version of myself in the season and later in the season and in October.”
He added,
“So it’s honestly been a pretty standard buildup for me, which I’m really excited about. I’m really grateful the Cubs are working with me on this, and Team Canada is very open to whatever I’m willing to give them.”
