Seiya Suzuki back at spring training with Cubs after injuring knee in World Baseball Classic

By: The Associated Press Posted: 6:24 PM CDT Monday, Mar. 16, 2026

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Seiya Suzuki was back at spring training with the Chicago Cubs on Monday and went for an MRI on his right knee that he injured while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

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Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters that the team was waiting for the MRI results, and wouldn’t speculate on the extent or nature of the injury for their designated hitter and outfielder.

“Let’s get the information, and then we should be able to tell you that,” Counsell said.

Japan's Seiya Suzuki hits a home run during the third inning of a World Baseball Classic game between Japan and South Korea on Saturday, March 7, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Suzuki got hurt in the first inning of Japan’s 8-5 loss to Venezuela in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal Saturday night in Miami. He appeared to hurt his right knee when he was caught stealing while going headfirst into second base. Suzuki walked gingerly as he returned to the dugout, accompanied by an athletic trainer, and was replaced in center field after the end of that half-inning.

Suzuki had a soft brace on his right knee Monday when walking slowly through the Cubs clubhouse in Arizona, where he was also examined by a team doctor.

The 31-year-old Suzuki is going into the final season of an $85 million, five-year contract. He has hit .269 with 87 home runs and 296 RBIs in 532 games for the Cubs.