Cubs still have tough decisions to make after latest round of spring-training camp cuts

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — The Cubs made another round of spring cuts and finalized their Opening Day rotation Thursday, but they still have difficult decisions to make one week before the regular season begins.

The Cubs optioned Daniel Palencia to Triple-A Iowa and assigned four non-roster invitees to minor-league camp — right-handed pitcher Colten Brewer, left-handed pitchers Richard Lovelady and Thomas Pannone and infielder David Bote. The moves reduced the spring roster to 37 players.

The team also notified non-roster invitee catchers Jorge Alfaro and Joe Hudson that they won’t be making the Opening Day roster, but they will remain in camp for now.

“We’ve put in five weeks of work, we’re getting close to a time where we get to go play games that start to determine the championship season,” manager Craig Counsell said. “And you’re excited and optimistic.”

With Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad claiming the last rotation spots, the biggest questions the Cubs still need to answer are: How many NRI players will they add to the roster, and how will they fill out the bullpen?

First basemen Dominic Smith and Garrett Cooper, outfielder David Peralta and reliever Carl Edwards Jr. all have the ability to opt-out of their NRI deals if they don’t make the team.

Lovelady and Alfaro have assignment clauses in their contracts, so the Cubs aren’t guaranteed to keep them if a 40-man roster opportunity arises with another team.

The Cubs are set to open one 40-man roster spot by putting pitcher Caleb Kilian (strained right shoulder) on the 60-day IL.

“We’re at a place now with our roster where we are making hard decisions if we add additional guys,” president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said.

The Cubs could open another spot through trade or waivers, but it’s unlikely that they would clear a third spot. That decision will affect both the bench and bullpen options.

The Cubs also have to decide whether to carry another left-hander in the bullpen, in addition to veteran Drew Smyly. Rookie Luke Little and non-roster invitee Edwin Escobar are the only other left-handed relievers remaining in camp.

As Hoyer has worked with Counsell through the process of whittling down the roster, he described the Cubs’ new manager as “a very direct communicator with players and the staff, and knows what he wants, and he knows how he sees things, and he’s able to communicate it in a very succinct way, which I think players can appreciate.”

Injury update

Right-hander Jameson Taillon (low back tightness) didn’t have any issues in his 10-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Counsell said. He’s scheduled to throw multiple bullpens before graduating to facing hitters.

Corner infielder Patrick Wisdom (back stiffness) remains day-to-day.

“We’re concerned for Opening Day, for sure,” Counsell said. “But right now, he’s reported doing better today, he’s walking on the treadmill. So, we haven’t shut him down. He’s still doing activity.”

Imanaga to face Cardinals

After making a start in a minor-league game Thursday, lefty Shota Imanaga is scheduled to pitch in one of the team’s exhibition games against the Cardinals next week.

Cubs 5, Rockies 2

Cubs left-hander Drew Smyly originally was scheduled to start Thursday, but since he’s beginning the season as a reliever, he had a bullpen day. Yency Almonte started, throwing a hitless first inning. Then, Smyly came in for two innings, allowing three hits and two runs. Both scored on Charlie Blackmon’s homer in the third inning.

• Right fielder Seiya Suzuki hasn’t been in the lineup since Tuesday, but manager Craig Counsell said he’s healthy. “He’s better than OK,” Counsell quipped. Suzuki has a 1.480 OPS this spring. “I’ve seen enough of him this spring,” president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer joked. “Good. Head to Texas.”

• Minor-leaguer Cole Roederer hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning to give the Cubs a comfortable lead.

• On deck: Split squads — Giants at Cubs, 3:05 p.m. Friday, Mesa, Marquee, Keaton Winn vs. Justin Steele; Cubs at Giants, 3:05 p.m. Friday, Scottsdale, Javier Assad vs. Logan Webb.