The Chicago Cubs are still waiting for Seiya Suzuki to join their everyday lineup.
The star outfielder was diagnosed with a ‘mild PCL strain’ in his knee after a scary play during the World Baseball Classic about a month ago. After a brief minor league rehab stint, Suzuki’s return to the Cubs’ lineup is on the horizon.
Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell indicated on Sunday that Seiya Suzuki will likely be activated to the Cubs’ lineup on Friday, April 10, for Chicago’s series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki to Make Season Debut This Week
GettySeiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after an RBI single in the first inning off Jake Irvin of the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on September 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
This is great news for the Cubbies, who have started the 2026 MLB season with a 4-5 record through their first nine games, and it’s been apparent the lineup could use a power boost that Suzuki will provide.
MLBTradeRumors.com was quick to the news this morning, and provided some insight on why 2026 is a big year for Suzuki:
“2026 is a big year for Suzuki, as it is the final season of the five-year, $85MM free agent contract he signed with Chicago prior to the 2022 season. The deal has proven to be a solid investment, as Suzuki has hit .269/.346/.472 with 87 home runs over his four Major League seasons, translating to a 127 wRC+ and 11.1 fWAR. Suzuki turns 32 in August and his corner outfield glovework has been average at best, so heâll need more big numbers at the plate in order to land another lucrative contract in free agency (with the Cubs or another team) next winter.”
GettySeiya Suzuki celebrates in the Cubs dugout
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Cubs’ Craig Counsell Shares Suzuki Update
Here is what Craig Counsell told reporters about Suzuki’s progress:
âWeâre probably dealing with at-bats as much as anything here,â Counsell said. âHe didnât get a full spring. Multiple weeks off. Itâs just making sure heâs ready to go offensivelyâ¦.We want him to play right field, so weâll activate him when heâs ready to play right field.â
Matt Shaw has seen the majority of right field at-bats in Suzuki’s absence. Over the first week of the season, Shaw has a .217 average with one home run and four batters driven in.
Suzuki will be a clear upgrade in the Cubs’ lineup and should help get the offense back on track throughout April.
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