Suzuki ready to begin rehab assignment

The Cubs pronounced injured outfielder Seiya Suzuki ready to head out on a rehab assignment.

When the Cubs hit the road for a trip to Cleveland and Tampa Bay, beginning Friday, Suzuki will travel to a minor-league spot to be determined, either Triple-A Iowa or Double-A Knoxville.

“It's really just weather,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said before Tuesday's game against the Angels. “We'll wait and I think we've got a pretty good idea, but we'll just make one last check.”

Suzuki has been out with a right knee sprain since March 14. He was injured while sliding into second base in the first inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game between Japan and Venezuela.

Before Tuesday's game, Suzuki walked into the Cubs clubhouse looking like he'd just finished a strenuous workout.

“Today was really trying to put him through one last test, really,” Counsell said. “That included some stops, starts, unexpected moves on the bases, sliding. So we're in a really good space.”

The length of the rehab assignment is also to be determined.

“We want him to play right field,” Counsell said. “So we'll activate him when he's ready to play right field.”

The Cubs have had no issues defensively in right field without Suzuki. Matt Shaw and Michael Conforto have handled 3 chances each without an error, heading into Tuesday’s action.