Seiya Suzuki returns to the Cubs lineup Friday, starting in right field against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 31‑year‑old posted career‑best 32 homers and 103 RBIs last season before a World Baseball Classic knee sprain sidelined him early. He is in the final year of a $85 million contract. Manager Craig Counsell called the addition “big,” and the club will monitor his knee cautiously, batting fourth.

Chicago removed outfielder Dylan Carlson, who managed only four plate appearances, to open a roster slot for Suzuki. Reliever Phil Maton entered the injured list with right‑knee tendinitis, prompting the promotion of Triple‑A right‑hander Ethan Roberts. Meanwhile, starter Cade Horton began rehab after elbow surgery likely sidelining him 12 to 15 months, leaving the Cubs with the league’s lowest ERA.

President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer defended the cautious handling of Horton, saying the club never pushed his pitch count despite his limited 118 innings last year. With Assad and Rea delivering quality starts, the rotation’s depth compensates for the recent injuries. Suzuki’s return restores a potent middle‑of‑order bat, giving Chicago a stronger offensive platform against the Pirates in Chicago this season.