Chicago Cubs designated hitter Tyler Austin faces a lengthy absence after undergoing a patellar tendon debridement procedure on his right knee. Manager Craig Counsell announced Wednesday that the 34-year-old's recovery will take months, putting his return to the major leagues on hold.

Austin signed a one-year deal with Chicago this offseason after six seasons with Yokohama in Japan's Pacific League. The veteran was competing for playing time at DH and could also play first base or the outfield. His injury creates an opportunity for Michael Conforto, who recently agreed to a minor league deal with the Cubs.

Selected by the New York Yankees in the 2010 draft, Austin made history on August 13, 2016, when he and Aaron Judge became the first teammates to homer in their first major league at-bats in the same game. The right-handed hitter has posted a .219 batting average with 33 home runs across four major league seasons with the Yankees, Twins, Mariners, and Brewers. He was also part of the 2021 U.S. Olympic team.