In preparation for the upcoming regular season, the Chicago Cubs made several cuts to their spring training roster on Thursday. Among those removed from the roster were infielder David Bote, who recently hit a home run in a spring training game, and right-handed pitcher Colten Brewer. These moves brought the spring roster down to 37 players.

Additionally, the Cubs optioned Daniel Palencia to Triple-A Iowa and assigned four non-roster invitees - Richard Lovelady, Thomas Pannone, and catchers Jorge Alfaro and Joe Hudson - to the minor-league camp. Though Alfaro and Hudson were informed that they won't be making the Opening Day roster, they will remain in camp for the time being.

Manager Craig Counsell expressed his excitement and optimism as the team approaches the start of the regular season. With only one week left before the championship season begins, the Cubs still have some challenging decisions to make. One of the key questions they need to address is how many non-roster invitees they will add to the roster and how they will fill out the bullpen.

The Cubs will have to navigate potential opt-out clauses for first basemen Dominic Smith and Garrett Cooper, outfielder David Peralta, and reliever Carl Edwards Jr., who all have the ability to opt-out of their non-roster invitee deals if they do not make the team. Lovelady and Alfaro also have assignment clauses in their contracts, adding further uncertainty to their status.

President of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, mentioned that the Cubs are evaluating the possibility of adding additional players to the roster but acknowledged the difficulty of the decisions that lie ahead. The team may have an opportunity to open up a 40-man roster spot by placing pitcher Caleb Kilian on the 60-day injured list due to a strained right shoulder.

Another consideration for the Cubs is whether to carry another left-hander in the bullpen alongside veteran Drew Smyly. The remaining left-handed relievers in camp are rookie Luke Little and non-roster invitee Edwin Escobar. This decision will impact both the bench and bullpen options for the team.

Amidst the roster evaluations, the Cubs' new manager, Craig Counsell, has been praised for his direct communication with players and staff. According to Hoyer, Counsell has a clear vision for the team and effectively communicates his expectations.

In injury news, right-hander Jameson Taillon, who has been experiencing low back tightness, has shown progress in his recovery. He completed a successful bullpen session without any issues and is expected to face hitters after a few more bullpens. However, there is concern about his availability for Opening Day.

In a minor-league game on Thursday, lefty Shota Imanaga made a start and is scheduled to pitch in one of the team's exhibition games against the Cardinals next week. Drew Smyly, originally scheduled to start, had a bullpen day since he will begin the season as a reliever. Yency Almonte started the game, while Smyly pitched two innings and allowed three hits and two runs.

Right fielder Seiya Suzuki, who boasts an impressive 1.480 OPS this spring, has not been in the lineup since Tuesday. However, manager Craig Counsell assured that Suzuki is healthy and even quipped that he is "better than OK." President of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, jokingly added that he has seen enough of Suzuki this spring and suggested he head to Texas.

In other news, minor-leaguer Cole Roederer made an impact by hitting a three-run homer in the ninth inning, securing a comfortable lead for the Cubs.

Up next, the Cubs will face split squads in their upcoming exhibition games. They will host the San Francisco Giants in Mesa, with Keaton Winn facing off against Justin Steele, while simultaneously playing against the Giants in Scottsdale, with Javier Assad taking on Logan Webb.

As the regular season draws near, the Cubs will continue to evaluate and make difficult roster decisions that will shape their lineup for Opening Day and beyond.