Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki will start the 2026 season on the 10-day injured list with the right knee sprain he suffered in the World Baseball Classic. Manager Craig Counsell announced the cautious decision Monday in Mesa, Arizona—following an initial optimistic update last week—ahead of Thursday's Opening Day against the Nationals. Suzuki expressed confidence in a quick return.
Suzuki, wearing a modified brace, progressed to light running and facing higher-velocity pitching on Monday but needs further work on defense and running before being game-ready. Speaking via interpreter Edwin Stanberry, he said: “I was worried in the beginning. But day by day, the pain’s gone down and it’s been feeling better each day. Obviously, you don’t want to rush it, but I want to make sure it heals and then come back to the team.”
If retroactive to Monday, Suzuki could be eligible as early as April 1 against the Angels, though the April 3-5 road trip at Cleveland or April 6-8 at Tampa Bay appears more realistic. Counsell said: “I don't know if I can answer that right now. We’ve just got to have a good week, then I think we can start to more accurately tell you when he’s going to be back.” Cubs president Jed Hoyer added: “He’s progressing well... it’s a long season. We don’t want to do anything [to have Suzuki] a couple days early that would hurt us later on.”
To cover right field, the Cubs added Michael Conforto to the Opening Day roster and are considering Matt Shaw for bench spots. Separately, Counsell named right-hander Ben Brown to the Opening Day bullpen after a strong spring (2.63 ERA, 19 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings), while Javier Assad heads to Triple-A Iowa.
