Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki exited Japan’s World Baseball Classic quarterfinal matchup against Venezuela due to a right knee injury sustained while attempting to steal second base. According to multiple reports, Suzuki awkwardly slid headfirst into the base and was called out after replay review overturned the initial safe call.
Key Takeaways
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki left Japan’s WBC quarterfinal matchup against Venezuela due to a right knee injury sustained while attempting to steal second base. The team awaits further evaluation upon his return to Arizona.
- Suzuki injured right knee during headfirst slide in first inning
- Team doctors will evaluate severity of injury after arrival in Arizona
- Suzuki had been performing well in WBC with 2 HR and 5 RBI in four games
- Carson Kelly made first base debut for Cubs in Cactus League game
Suzuki walked gingerly off the field accompanied by an athletic trainer and was immediately replaced in center field. The Cubs are awaiting further evaluation as Suzuki flew to Arizona from Miami on Sunday morning, though no testing or imaging was conducted before his travel. Manager Craig Counsell stated that the team would likely know more about the injury's severity after examining Suzuki on Monday.
Suzuki had been performing well in the WBC, going 3-for-9 with two home runs and five RBIs across four games. His injury comes as he enters the final season of his five-year, $85 million contract with a career .269 average, 87 home runs, and 296 RBIs for the Cubs.
In other Cubs news, Carson Kelly made his first base debut in Saturday’s Cactus League game. According to the Chicago Tribune, this was Kelly's first game action at first base since high school. The catcher has been preparing for the position with ground balls and is eager to learn and adapt as needed.
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