Chicago Cubs offseason signee Austin underwent knee surgery and will be sidelined for several months.

When the Chicago Cubs signed Tyler Austin during the offseason, the team saw him as a dependable backup to first baseman Michael Busch and a bench asset against left-handed pitchers. The Cubs must now reconsider these depth strategies.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced today that Austin underwent right knee surgery on Tuesday, with a recovery period expected to last “several months.” The 34-year-old experienced knee issues early in spring training, requiring a right patellar tendon debridement procedure.

“This opens up opportunities for others,” Counsell said. “You could say he was initially ahead in the competition for a roster spot, but that option is currently off the table. So, this creates a chance for other players.”

Austin has not played in the major leagues since 2019, but since joining Japan’s Yokohama DeNA in 2020, he has posted impressive offensive numbers. Last year, he hit .269/.350/.484 over 65 games, with 11 home runs, 14 doubles, and 28 RBIs.

Earlier this spring, Counsell mentioned that the Cubs’ internal models projected Austin as a great fit for the backup role behind Busch. The Cubs signed him to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with a major league roster spot and the potential to be a weapon against lefties.

With Austin unavailable for the foreseeable future, the Cubs plan to rotate several players as Busch’s backup at first base. Catcher Moisés Ballesteros will get opportunities at first, and catcher Miguel Amaya, who has some experience, is also in consideration. Counsell hasn’t ruled out trying versatile player Matt Shaw at first base as well.

First base rookie Jonathon Long, a right-handed hitter like Austin, could also become an option down the line.

“Spring training is meant for this kind of preparation,” Counsell said. “It’s the plan B to the backup plan. You can’t have perfect coverage at every position. This might turn a position that was once deep into one that is less so.”

“But Long remains a solid option. Whether he’s with the major league team or in Triple-A, he’s just a day away from here.”