MESA, Ariz. – The Cubs have not ruled out having Seiya Suzuki ready for Opening Day.
On Tuesday afternoon, manager Craig Counsell announced that Suzuki was dealing with a posterior cruciate ligament sprain that is “minor in nature.” Chicago’s star outfielder will continue with light activity in the coming days to gauge his progress.
“We got good news, for sure,” Counsell said
Suzuki sustained the knee injury on a stolen base attempt for Team Japan in the first inning of its World Baseball Classic quarterfinals loss to Venezuela on Saturday. The right fielder returned to Cubs camp on Monday, met with a team doctor and the team’s staff and then headed to get an MRI exam to gather more information on the knee injury.
Counsell said the Cubs will likely have to make a decision by Saturday as to whether a season-opening stint on the injured list will be necessary.
The Cubs are hoping not to have to deal with the loss of an impact bat in their lineup. Last season, the 31-year-old Suzuki enjoyed a strong campaign, piling up 32 home runs, 31 doubles and 103 RBIs in 151 games for the North Siders.
If Suzuki is sidelined for the start of the season, the Cubs have the versatile Matt Shaw as an option for right field, where he has been getting plenty of action this spring in preparation for a super utility role. Chicago also has a trio of veteran outfielders – Dylan Carlson, Michael Conforto, and Chas McCormick – in camp competing for jobs as non-roster invitees. Prospect Kevin Alcántara (Pipeline’s No. 4 Cubs prospect) is on the 40-man roster.
Suzuki was excited to suit up for Japan in the World Baseball Classic after missing the ‘23 tournament due to injury. He hit .333 (4-for-9), with two homers, five RBIs and six walks in this year’s Classic, but exited in the first inning of Saturday’s loss. Suzuki tried to steal second, landing hard on a headfirst slide before walking gingerly off the field.