As the Chicago Cubs gear up for Opening Day, all eyes are on Seiya Suzuki’s recovery from a PCL sprain. While the Cubs are optimistic, Suzuki’s readiness for the season opener remains uncertain.

The team’s medical update suggests a relatively positive outlook, as Suzuki is still cleared for baseball activities. However, the typical recovery timeline for a PCL sprain hovers around three weeks, sometimes stretching to a month.

This puts Suzuki on track to possibly return in the second week of the regular season. Strategically, the Cubs might place him on the IL with a retroactive date, aiming for his comeback during their road trip against the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays.

Suzuki isn’t the only Cub on the mend. The pitching staff is also dealing with several key injuries:

Justin Steele
Justin Steele is making steady progress after elbow surgery ended his 2025 season early.

Cleared for baseball activities, Steele has been facing live batters, though he hasn’t yet appeared in a Cactus League game. The plan has been for Steele to return by late May or early June.

With roster decisions looming, Steele is likely headed to the 60-day IL, targeting a return in the final week of May.

Shelby Miller
Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery in October, Shelby Miller joined the Cubs on a two-year deal, with expectations set for a 2027 bullpen role.

Surprisingly, Miller might be ahead of schedule. Already on the 60-day IL, he hasn’t ruled out a September return, offering a potential late-season boost.

Jordan Wicks
Jordan Wicks is dealing with nerve irritation but is poised to resume bullpen sessions soon.

Likely starting the season on the IL, Wicks is expected to participate in extended spring training. Barring setbacks, he’ll probably spend significant time with Triple-A Iowa this season.

Porter Hodge
Porter Hodge faces a challenging road ahead after suffering a strained flexor tendon.

Without a clear timeline for his return, Hodge’s injury woes continue to impact his trajectory. It’s doubtful he’ll play a role in the bullpen this year, as injuries have hindered his progress over the past year.

As the Cubs prepare for the season, these injury updates are crucial for shaping their Opening Day roster and early-season strategies.