Cubs' Tyler Austin sidelined months after knee surgery, hurting bench depth.

Chicago Cubs outfielder and first baseman Tyler Austin, 34, will be out for months after undergoing knee surgery, manager Craig Counsell announced. Austin, who signed a one-year, $1.25 million deal in December after six seasons in Japan with Yokohama, where he hit .289 with 94 home runs and 268 RBIs, was competing for a backup role behind first baseman Michael Busch and to provide outfield depth during spring training. His absence, due to a patellar tendon debridement, will significantly impact the Cubs’ bench depth for the upcoming season.