Chicago Cubs first baseman Tyler Austin underwent surgery on his right knee on Tuesday, sidelining him for months. Manager Craig Counsell announced the news on Wednesday, noting the injury occurred after Austin's knee did not respond well in early spring training workouts. The team is now adjusting its depth chart at first base.
MESA, Ariz. – The Chicago Cubs signed Tyler Austin over the offseason to a one-year, $1.25 million contract, viewing him as a solid backup option behind first baseman Michael Busch and a useful hitter against left-handed pitching. The 34-year-old had not played in Major League Baseball since 2019 but posted strong numbers in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball with Yokohama, batting .269/.350/.484 with 11 home runs, 14 doubles, and 28 RBIs in 65 games last year.
On Wednesday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell revealed that Austin had undergone a right patellar tendon debridement procedure on Tuesday due to issues in early camp. "It’s opportunity for others," Counsell said. "I would say he had an inside track [for an Opening Day job], and it’s an option that’s off the table right now. So, it opens up opportunity for others."
Without Austin, the Cubs plan to rotate multiple players at first base. Catcher Moisés Ballesteros will receive work there, while Miguel Amaya brings some prior experience to the position. Super utility man Matt Shaw is another possibility, and first base prospect Jonathon Long—who offers a right-handed bat similar to Austin's—remains an option, whether with the major league team or in Triple-A.
"You kind of go through this exercise in Spring Training," Counsell added, "of like backup plans on top of backup plans. You just can’t be covered, ideally, in every single situation. This may change, where we have [an area] we’re very deep to a place we’re not very deep. But Johnny Long is still a good option. Whether he’s with the big league team or whether he’s in Triple-A, he’s a day away."
In related updates, left-hander Jordan Wicks has been slowed by left forearm inflammation but showed no ulnar collateral ligament concerns on MRI. He has rested for five days and could resume throwing soon. Prospect Jonathon Long, recovering from a left elbow sprain sustained in a collision during Saturday's Cactus League game against Texas, faces a decision on participating in the World Baseball Classic with Chinese Taipei. Right-hander Edward Cabrera, acquired from the Marlins, is set for his Cactus League debut Friday against the Guardians.
