Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki sustained a minor posterior cruciate ligament sprain during the World Baseball Classic. Manager Craig Counsell described the injury as minor, with Suzuki set to continue light activities. The team has not ruled out his availability for Opening Day.
In Mesa, Arizona, Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided an update on Seiya Suzuki's knee injury on Tuesday. Suzuki suffered the posterior cruciate ligament sprain during a stolen base attempt in the first inning of Team Japan's World Baseball Classic quarterfinals loss to Venezuela on Saturday. He attempted a headfirst slide into second base, landing hard before walking off gingerly. Suzuki returned to Cubs camp on Monday, consulted with the team doctor and staff, and underwent an MRI exam for further assessment. Counsell called the diagnosis “minor in nature,” stating, “We got good news, for sure.” Suzuki is expected to engage in light activity in the coming days to monitor progress. The Cubs face a decision by Saturday on whether Suzuki requires a season-opening injured list placement. Last season, the 31-year-old right fielder posted 32 home runs, 31 doubles, and 103 RBIs over 151 games. In the Classic, Suzuki batted .333 (4-for-9) with two homers, five RBIs, and six walks before exiting early. He had missed the 2023 tournament due to injury but was eager to represent Japan this year. Should Suzuki miss time, options include versatile infielder Matt Shaw, who has seen right field action this spring, non-roster invitees Dylan Carlson, Michael Conforto, and Chas McCormick, plus 40-man roster prospect Kevin Alcántara, Chicago's No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline.
