Chicago Cubs: Jed Hoyer teases roster additions, talks Seiya Suzuki injury dominoes

Mesa, Ariz. — On Thursday, Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer teased that the franchise may not be done when it comes to adding to the roster in the wake of an oblique injury to Seiya Suzuki.

Suzuki has been diagnosed with a moderate left oblique strain and Hoyer told reporters on Thursday at chilly Cubs camp that the team will now have to pivot to Plan B until Suzuki’s return from the injury.

“It’s disappointing,” Hoyer said of Suzuki’s injury. “He had gotten himself into some great shape over the winter and he was obviously turning heads here.

“Obviously it’s a setback, but actually in some ways it’s better to have it happen now than during the season. Now we can get him healthy and get him back to playing.”

Chicago Cubs: Seiya Suzuki’s injury is a wakeup call

Hoyer called the injury a “wakeup call” to the organization about the lineup and what needs to be done with the roster in Suzuki’s absence. Hoyer added that there would not be a timetable on Suzuki’s return but, “I think there’s a  general expectation of what a moderate oblique injury is and I think that certainly puts Opening Day in jeopardy.”

One of the potential options who could see time on the roster in Suzuki’s absence is Mike Tauchman, who was invited to camp on a minor league deal and got the start on Thursday. Tauchman has MLB experience with the Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants.

“You can tell he’s been around and has had time in the big leagues. He knows how to handle his at-bats,” Cubs manager David Ross said of the 32-year-old Tauchman. “The things that have stood out early were a calm approach and a better outfielder than I expected. He thinks through his at-bats and thinks through his swing.”

Hoyer said the Cubs would “have a lot of conversations” about how the roster will shake out between now and Opening Day on March 30 when Chicago hosts the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.

“There are still free agents out there, so I wouldn’t be shocked if we brought someone in,” Hoyer said. “We’re generally done (with the roster) but if someone came into camp, I wouldn’t be shocked.”