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Cubs' Seiya Suzuki, Brandon Hughes to Play for Triple-A Iowa Saturday

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Tyler Edmunds | Last updated 4/7/23

The Cubs could see a few players return from the injured list sooner rather than later.

The Chicago Cubs received some positive news regarding a pair of players working back from injuries. Outfielder Seiya Suzuki and relief pitcher Brandon Hughes will play Saturday for Triple-A Iowa, according to Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network.

Seiya Suzuki's Progress

Suzuki, who was shut down early in Spring Training, has been recovering from an oblique injury that has kept him out of game action so far this season.

Manager David Ross mentioned a few weeks ago that the Cubs would not rush Suzuki back to the major league roster too quickly despite his early positive progress. But with a rehab assignment appearance now scheduled for Saturday, it seems Suzuki could return to the big-league club much sooner than initially anticipated.

Cubs Bullpen Could Use Brandon Hughes

Hughes, who’s been sidelined since mid-March with a left knee issue, was a dependable lefty arm for the Cubs last season. In 57 games, he posted a 3.12 ERA and eight saves with 68 strikeouts, and 21 walks. Hughes logged a 1.092 WHIP and a .200 opponent’s batting average.

Having both players back in action Saturday at the Triple-A level is a confidence booster for a Cubs team that could desperately use their services right now. MLB clubs can never have too many dependable bullpen arms. As far as right field goes, let’s just say that Trey Mancini and Miles Mastrobuoni aren’t the best options in the world.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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