A Sigh of Relief as Two Cubs Starters Make Spring Training Debut

Lost in the excitement of the Cubs re-signing Cody Bellinger it was hard not to get a little uneasy about Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch being absent through the first three spring training games in Arizona. We’ve seen them in live batting practice, fielding practice, but you probably started to wonder when these guys would appear in games. Well, you can breathe a sigh of relief, as Suzuki and Busch are making their spring training debut Monday against the Kansas City Royals.

Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor first mentioned that the duo would make their spring training debut during Sunday’s game against the San Diego Padres.

It’s normal for the established guys to ease into game action, as Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson didn’t play the first two games. However, I was a bit nervous about Suzuki because just last year he was out with an oblique strain after he looked fine in the batting cages. As for Busch, the rookie is going to be the starting first baseman against right-handed pitching and you’d expect him to get into action as soon as possible following his trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell did confirm that Busch was dealing with a shoulder issue and didn’t want to push it. Smart, as there is no need to rush things in February with any player.

Counsell said there are no issues going forward with Busch’s shoulder.

Suzuki and Busch are batting second and third for the Cubs on Monday.

Excellent. Unfortunately, fans will not be able to see the spring debut of Busch and Suzuki, as Monday’s game against the Royals is not being televised. The only available coverage will be through Kansas City’s radio call.

And not to be forgotten about, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski is making his spring debut as well. He was able to earn the fifth starter spot with an impressive spring training last year and after an up and down season Wesneski is once again competing for a job in the rotation.