Cubs Roster Moves: Seiya Suzuki to IL, Javier Assad to Triple-A

Opening Day is just a few days away, with the Chicago Cubs set to travel back home to Chicago on Tuesday. One of the last remaining question marks regarding the Opening Day roster was Seiya Suzuki’s availability. The Cubs already said that he would not be available to play this Thursday against the Washington Nationals, but no decision had been made on his roster status. That changed Monday morning, when Craig Counsell announced that Suzuki will indeed be placed on the Injured List.

Seiya Suzuki will start the season on the IL, and Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A, Craig Counsell announced today. pic.twitter.com/JTfCan9RQd

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 23, 2026

Last week, Craig Counsell told reporters that Seiya Suzuki’s MRI was “minor in nature,” which could mean that the IL stint will be minimal. The Chicago Cubs cannot afford to play an injured Suzuki throughout the 162-game season, so letting him heal properly is clearly the correct and reasonable move.

Counsell also announced that Javier Assad will start the season in Triple-A, giving the team more depth in the minor league system. The major league pitching staff appears to be complete, meaning Assad will likely start games in Iowa until he is needed in Chicago.