MESA, Ariz. — Craig Counsell will likely open the year with one of his top starters on the injured list.

The Cubs manager said Tuesday that “Opening Day is unlikely in terms of getting [Jameson Taillon] ready just because of missing the prep and the buildup.”

Taillon had been built up to 3 innings — he threw that many in a simulated game on March 4. He was supposed to start Saturday but was scratched just minutes before first pitch. Counsell said the righty had some “very light throwing” scheduled. Still, it’ll be nearing 10 days since the last time Taillon pitched, meaning there just isn’t enough time to properly build him up to be ready for Opening Day in a little over 2 weeks.

“The fact is we’ve got to get into game action and we’ve gotta get every five days into game action a minimum of four times before we can get you ready as a starter,” Counsell said.

Counsell admitted there are four pitchers — Drew Smyly, Jordan Wicks, Javier Assad and Hayden Wesneski — competing for the final two spots in the Cubs rotation. The Cubs might only need to fill Taillon’s spot for a short amount of time if Taillon’s IL stint is short. The Cubs can backdate the IL stint 3 days before Opening Day, meaning a potential March 25 IL stint would have him eligible to return on April 9 when the team is in San Diego.

The Cubs can opt to keep all four pitchers on the Opening Day roster, using three as starters and another as a swingman and then option one of Wicks, Assad or Wesneski when Taillon is ready. It’s more likely, though, that they carry three of the four, using two in the rotation and the other as a length option, and carry an extra reliever like Luke Little or Daniel Palencia, who have options.

Either way, the Cubs’ pitching depth that they’ve lauded will be put to the test early.

“I feel like top to bottom, every pitcher we have we feel are capable of pitching big innings at some point during the regular season,” Justin Steele said. “That’s a really good thing to have because 162 is a long marathon.”

Suzuki in left, again

Seiya Suzuki started in left field against the Brewers, the second time he’s opened the game at the position this spring. Counsell said the Cubs just want to make sure he’s had some reps at the position in case the need ever arises in season.

“Just at some point in the season, if this could be a scenario that we use, this is the time to get him some left field, just to get him some experience out there,” Counsell said. “I don’t see him in left field to start the season, but we’re just gonna get him some experience in a position he doesn’t play as much and Spring Training is the time to do that.”

Ian Happ is currently recovering from a strained left hamstring, so the Cubs have the reps and time to give Suzuki that opportunity. Both Happ and Nick Madrigal (right hamstring strain) are progressing well in their recoveries.

Steele shines

The Cubs’ Opening Day starter showcased why he received that honor.

Steele was stellar in 4 innings of work, striking out 9 Brewers over 4 innings of work.

“I felt really good today with my four-seam and my slider,” Steele said. “I would say like midseason form with them.”

After allowing a leadoff double to open the game, Steele struck out the heart of the Brewers lineup — William Contreras, Christian Yelich and Rhys Hoskins to strand the runner. Eight of the 9 hitters he faced struck out against him.

Spring debut for veteran

David Peralta made his spring debut Tuesday, hitting eighth and serving as the Cubs’ designated hitter. He underwent elbow surgery during the offseason and signed a minor league deal with a non-roster invite to big-league camp last month. Peralta, 36, was 2-for-3 with an RBI triple in the 5^th inning and a hustle double in the 6^th.

The Cubs added him and Dominic Smith as lefty veterans that could factor into the Cubs’ roster picture.

Next Up

The Cubs travel to Goodyear, Ariz. to take on the Guardians at 3 p.m. on Marquee Sports Network. Kyle Hendricks will make the start for the Cubs.