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Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki remains out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Suzuki returned from the restricted list on Tuesday but hasn't played since. The 28-year-old Japanese outfielder has held his own in his first big-league season in the States, slashing .263/.336/.433 with 13 home runs, 45 RBI, 48 runs scored and nine stolen bases in his 372 at-bats. With Suzuki on the bench again Wednesday, Patrick Wisdom is starting in right field and is hitting sixth against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola. Wisdom is hitting just over the Mendoza Line in his 446 at-bats for the Cubs in 2022, but he also has 25 home runs and 65 RBI, making him a boom/bust DFS option.
Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (back) threw a successful bullpen session on Tuesday and is expected to throw one more high-intensity bullpen, but it sounds as though he will not make it back to make another start for the Cubs in 2022. "It just makes sense to me to just go ahead and send him off on a high note," manager David Ross said about Steele. It doesn't make sense for the Cubs to rush the 27-year-old southpaw back with nothing to play for this year. Steele showed plenty of improvement in his sophomore season in the big leagues, going 4-7 with a 3.18 ERA (3.21 FIP), a 1.35 WHIP, 126 strikeouts and 50 walks in 119 innings pitched over his 24 starts for the Cubbies.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman was strong Tuesday, allowing one run on four hits and a walk in seven innings against the Philadelphia Phillies. He earned his fifth win of the season, outdueling Zack Wheeler as the Cubs triumphed 2-1. Stroman struck out six batters. After a difficult April, Stroman has regained his signature steadiness, and he's finishing strong with four starts of at least six innings in his last five trips to the mound. He will have one more chance to improve on his 3.66 ERA and 1.15 WHIP through 132 2/3 innings and 24 starts in 2022.
The Chicago Cubs reinstated catcher Willson Contreras (ankle) from the injured list on Tuesday and also reinstated outfielder Seiya Suzuki from the paternity list. In corresponding moves, the Cubs optioned Jared Young to the minors and designated outfielder Michael Hermosillo for assignment. Contreras is serving as the designated hitter and is batting third against Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler on Tuesday, while Suzuki isn't in the starting lineup. Contreras might be eased back into his role as the regular catcher, but the 30-year-old should be returned to starting fantasy lineups on Tuesday. He has 21 home runs and 54 RBI on the year in 395 at-bats for the Cubbies. Suzuki should eventually return to an everyday role in the outfield down the stretch.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Alexander Canario went 1-for-4 with a solo home run for Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. Canario opened the season with High-A South Bend, but spent the bulk of his season for Double-A Tennessee and has spent the last 15 games with Iowa. The 22-year-old was one of the prospects the Cubs received for Kris Bryant during last years trade deadline and he has impressed in his first full year with the Cubs franchise. Never playing above High-A with the Giants organization, Canario has ascended throughout the minor leagues with the Cubs. Between all three stops this season, the outfielder has shown plenty of power with 35 homers to go along with 92 RBI, 22 stolen bases and a .255 batting average. The Cubs have plenty of holes on their roster and Canario could have a true shot at competing for a corner outfield spot entering 2023. With his power display this year and his body continuing to mature, Canario is someone that dynasty managers should consider targeting entering next season.
