Cubs Rookie Moises Ballesteros Adjusts to Designated Hitter Role Amid Early-Season Challenges

Moises Ballesteros, the Chicago Cubs' rookie designated hitter, continues to navigate a challenging start to his first full major-league season as the team looks to fill the offensive void left by outfielder Kyle Tucker, who departed for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason.

Ballesteros, 22, has posted a .158 batting average with three hits in his first seven games since being named the primary designated hitter. Known for his hitting prowess developed across minor league levels, Ballesteros was called up in September after Tucker's injury and impressed last season with a .298 average and .868 OPS as a late-season addition.

Despite his slow offensive start, Ballesteros expressed confidence in adapting to his new role, saying, "[Playing DH] is definitely a new role for me. But I feel like I'm taking it well." Pitchers have increased their use of breaking balls against the young hitter, rising from 18.9% last season to 38.6% this year, prompting Ballesteros to focus on pitch selection and patience at the plate.

Veteran Cubs outfielder Ian Happ highlighted the challenge of adjusting to pitchers' strategies in a player's second season, noting that an offseason's worth of scouting can make adaptation more difficult for young hitters.

In other team news, right fielder Seiya Suzuki made progress in his recovery from a sprained right knee ligament by playing five innings with Double-A Knoxville on Friday, going 1-for-2 with an RBI. Suzuki sustained the injury during the World Baseball Classic and has recently completed drills to test his movement. His return to the Cubs' lineup depends on his continued recovery and absence of lingering pain.

The team's schedule was also impacted on Saturday as the game against the Cleveland Guardians was postponed due to threatening weather. A doubleheader is scheduled for Sunday, beginning at 12:10 p.m., with Edward Cabrera starting Game 1 and Shota Imanaga taking the mound for Game 2.

At present, Ballesteros remains in the lineup as the primary designated hitter, while Suzuki's possible return continues to be monitored. The Cubs will look to regain momentum as the doubleheader approaches.