Infielder Jonathan Villar is expected to rejoin the Cubs on Tuesday, and outfielder Seiya Suzuki could follow shortly.
But making room for the twosome on the active roster presents a few intriguing scenarios.
Villar’s switch-hitting ability and infield versatility could pinch a current player as well as dent the Cubs’ wallet.
Four-time Gold Glove shortstop Andrelton Simmons was relegated to playing second base until Nick Madrigal returned last week, reducing Simmons’ role to backing up Nico Hoerner at short.
Simmons, 32, signed a one-year, $4 million contract but he didn’t make his Cubs debut until May 15 because of right shoulder soreness.