The Chicago Cubs are coming off a rough loss on Monday to the Cleveland Guardians, but have a chance to rebound on Tuesday. That said, some interesting notes about the lineup graced the news cycle before Tuesday's contest.
According to Matt Spiegel of 670 The Score, Seiya Suzuki will not be the everyday right fielder once Cody Bellinger's finger is fully healthy. Bellinger has been limited to the DH role since returning from the IL. In fact, Suzuki is destined for the designated hitter role, with Pete Crow-Armstrong maintaining the reigns in centerfield while Bellinger seamlessly slides into right.
Frankly, this move makes plenty of sense. Suzuki has been putrid in right field for the Cubs. The Japanese slugger ranks in the 30th percentile for Fielding Run Value per Baseball Savant and owns a -4 Outs Above Average (14th percentile) despite a strong arm in terms of underlying-metric value.
Bellinger, a Gold Glove winner, would be a huge upgrade in right field. Add that to Crow-Armstrong's Gold-Glove upside and Ian Happ's pair of Gold Gloves in 2022 and 2023 and the Cubs have one of the better defensive outfields in baseball. With improved overall defense from the infield, the Cubs would be set up for improved success down the stretch.
Suzuki still brings value to the Cubs, but it is certainly with the bat. The slugger is slashing .269/.340/.476 with 16 home runs, 19 doubles, and 55 RBIs entering play on Tuesday. With Suzuki in the DH spot, the lineup will be at full strength on a nightly basis both in the field and at the dish.
Tuesday marks the second game of the Cubs' three-game set against the Guardians. Following the series in Cleveland, the Cubs get an off day on Thursday before a pair of home series in seven days against the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers.
