Injury Update On Chicago Cubs Promising Outfielder

Chicago Cubs' right fielder Seiya Suzuki was pulled from the starting lineup on Saturday due to a left oblique injury, which prompted an MRI examination on Sunday to determine the extent of the issue.

Cubs' manager, David Ross, declined to speculate on Suzuki's status for the World Baseball Classic with Team Japan, stating that they would wait for the MRI results before making any decisions.

Cubs going over imaging taken on Seiya Suzuki (left oblique tightness) today. Ross still not willing to speculate on timetable/WBC until he goes over things with team’s medical staff and talks with Suzuki. Still in “wait and see” mode.

— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 27, 2023

Suzuki, who played in 111 games during his rookie season with the team last year, had added 25 pounds of muscle to withstand the rigors of a 162-game MLB schedule. If Suzuki is unable to participate in the WBC due to his injury, it would be a significant blow to Team Japan.

In addition to being a crucial player for Japan, Suzuki is also one of the Cubs' most important bats and their everyday right fielder.

Should he miss any time during the regular season, Trey Mancini and Christopher Morel are likely candidates to see time in the outfield.

The Cubs and Suzuki fans alike will have to wait for the MRI results to see the full extent of Suzuki's injury and the impact it will have on his start to the season.

Last year, in his rookie season, the twenty-eight-year-old posted a solid .262/.336/.433 triple-slash line, with 14 home runs, 46 RBIs, nine stolen bases and 54 runs scored over 111 games.

He's a prime breakout candidate if he can avoid injury this season. Photo Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports