Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago Cubs - News - March 16, 2024 | FOX Sports

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・March 16, 2024 March 16 Mar 16

Suzuki goes yard twice as Cubs beat Royals

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Sloan Park, Mesa, AZ

Patrick Wisdom - Managing back issueCubs manager Craig Counsell said Sunday that Wisdom, who hasn't seen game action since Wednesday, is dealing with a back injury, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

ImpactIt's not believed to be a serious injury, however, with Wisdom expected to rejoin the Cactus League lineup Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. The 32-year-old also missed time early in camp due to quadriceps tightness, but he's hit well when available, going 6-for-16 with two homers in six spring games.

MARCH 17•ROTOWIRE

Ian Happ - Back in lineup at DHHapp (hamstring) will serve as the Cubs' designated hitter and leadoff batter in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Rangers.

ImpactHapp will return to the lineup for the first time since Feb. 29 after missing the past two and a half weeks while recovering from a right hamstring strain. The Cubs will ease Happ back into the mix in a non-defensive role, but assuming he's able to resume patrolling left field at some point later this week, he should be ready to handle an everyday role when the team opens its season March 28 in Texas.

MARCH 17•ROTOWIRE

Jameson Taillon - Nearing mound workTaillon said Sunday his back has responded well to rest and treatment, and he plans to throw off a mound Tuesday or Wednesday, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.comreports.

ImpactThe right-hander's back didn't initially respond well after being scratched from his start March 9 due to tightness, but his status has apparently improved significantly over the past few days. Taillon has yet to see game action this spring as he focused on his mechanics early in camp, so even if completely healthy he may not be fully ramped up for the start of the regular season.

MARCH 17•ROTOWIRE

Hayden Wesneski - May get sent to minorsWesneski may be squeezed off the Cubs' Opening Day roster with Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad both likely to secure roles, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

ImpactWicks is the current favorite to land the No. 5 spot in the rotation, while Assad will likely shift to a long-relief role. That could push Wesneski off the roster entirely, as it may be more beneficial for his development if he's starting regularly at Triple-A Iowa. The righty could have some fantasy upside if he pushes into Chicago's rotation at some point, though for now, his appeal is limited.

MARCH 17•ROTOWIRE

Jordan Wicks - Seems likely to make rotationWicks appears to be the favorite to land the No. 5 spot in the Cubs' rotation to start the year, with Javier Assad shifting to the bullpen, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

ImpactWicks, Assad and Hayden Wesneski have been competing for the last starting spot in camp, with the former doing enough to stand out. The lefty has a strong 2.60 ERA across 17.1 Cactus League innings, and he showed flashes of promise during his MLB debut last season. Wicks may endure some ups and downs as a young starter, though he has interesting fantasy upside as long as he remains in the rotation.

MARCH 17•ROTOWIRE

Cubs roster projection: Jobs up for grabs as Craig Counsell challenges front officeWho'll get the last spot on the bench? How will Chicago navigate the beginning of the season without Jameson Taillon?

MARCH 17•THEATHLETIC.COM

Why Alec Marsh has newfound confidence entering second season with the KC RoyalsThe Royals’ Alec Marsh has looked like a different pitcher this spring.

MARCH 17•KANSASCITY.COM