Overview
- Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Austin underwent right patellar tendon debridement on Tuesday and will miss months.
- The 34-year-old’s knee had not responded during early camp workouts, pausing his bid to return to the majors.
- Signed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract, Austin was slated to back up Michael Busch and provide right-handed pop versus lefties.
- Chicago will explore coverage at first base with Moisés Ballesteros, Miguel Amaya, Matt Shaw and prospect Jonathon Long, while non-roster invitees Chas McCormick, Dylan Carlson and Michael Conforto compete for spots.
- Separately, left-hander Jordan Wicks is dealing with forearm inflammation, an MRI showed no UCL damage, and the team expects he could resume throwing within days.