Cubs Activate Seiya Suzuki, Designate Dylan Carlson for Assignment

The Chicago Cubs activated outfielder Seiya Suzuki from the injured list and designated Dylan Carlson for assignment to make room. Suzuki, who missed the first two weeks of the season with a knee sprain, will return to the active roster after rehabbing at Double-A Knoxville. Dylan Carlson, acquired from the Cardinals in a 2024 trade, will now face an uncertain future after just three games with the team.

Suzuki suffered the injury while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. He hit .429 with two doubles in five rehab games before his activation. Manager Craig Counsell said Suzuki will not play every day initially but is expected to become a regular once he regains his rhythm.

Matt Shaw filled in at right field during Suzuki’s absence. The utility man, who has never played the outfield professionally before, posted a 108 wRC+ with two home runs in 39 plate appearances. Shaw is likely to transition to a more flexible role now that Suzuki is back.

Dylan Carlson signed with the Cubs on a minor league deal in January and earned a spot on the Opening Day roster after a strong spring. He hit .298/.421/.404 in 20 games but went 0-for-4 in his limited time with Chicago. Carlson was traded by the Cardinals to the Rays at the 2024 deadline for right-hander Shawn Armstrong and later joined the Orioles, where he struggled with a .683 OPS last season.

The Cubs also placed Phil Maton on the injured list with a knee injury. Maton, acquired in a midseason bullpen overhaul that included Hunter Harvey, Caleb Thielbar, Hoby Milner, and Jacob Webb, signed a two-year, $14.5 million contract with the club. He gave up two earned runs in each of his last three outings before his IL placement.

Ethan Roberts is expected to be recalled to replace Maton. The right-hander appeared in the second game of Chicago’s doubleheader against the Guardians, allowing an inherited runner to score before closing the eighth inning. Roberts has pitched in parts of four seasons with the Cubs and owns a 4.91 ERA in 44 big-league innings.

Counsell’s decision to limit Suzuki’s early workload and shift Shaw to a utility role shows a cautious approach to roster balance. The Cubs now have more flexibility in the outfield and bullpen as they continue their 2025 campaign.

The team will host the Pirates at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. Suzuki’s return could give the offense a spark as the Cubs look to climb the NL Central standings.