MESA, Ariz. \u2013 Near the end of a relatively smooth spring training, the Chicago Cubs are dealing with potential fallout from Seiya Suzuki getting injured during the World Baseball Classic, a setback that could have ramifications for Opening Day and beyond.<\/p>\n
Suzuki was scheduled to travel back to Arizona on Sunday for further evaluations that will likely stretch into Monday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. Suzuki, the Japanese outfielder, exited Saturday night\u2019s quarterfinal loss to Venezuela in Miami with what was initially described as right knee discomfort.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s just best we wait and see,\u201d Counsell said, \u201cand let our doctors and trainers take a look at him and see what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n
During Sunday morning\u2019s media briefing, Counsell indicated that Suzuki had not yet undergone any preliminary testing on the knee. Counsell also said that he was not briefed on the details surrounding the play, such as whether Suzuki felt something running or sliding.<\/p>\n
Suzuki limped off the field at loanDepot Park after trying to steal second base with an awkward headfirst slide. Suzuki, Japan\u2019s No. 3 hitter and starting center fielder, was replaced after the first inning. The elimination game turned into an 8-5 loss for the tournament\u2019s defending champs.<\/p>\n
Suzuki was unable to play for Japan\u2019s 2023 WBC championship team due to a strained left oblique, one of a series of injuries that have marked his productive major-league career. Every player who competes in the WBC has to weigh the benefits of the experience against the potential costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor myself, I didn\u2019t feel like there was much risk,\u201d said Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon, who played for Canada in this year\u2019s WBC. \u201cYou\u2019re just doing build-up, anyways. I was going to throw 60 pitches in a game, whether it was there or here. For position players, you might be stealing a base you might not otherwise be (stealing) in spring training.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor Seiya, a guy who takes a lot of pride in his country and representing them \u2014 and he didn\u2019t get to do it last time \u2014 I think this meant a lot to him. He wanted to be a part of it, so you can\u2019t fault the guy. But anytime you\u2019re on a field, unfortunately, there\u2019s a risk. Just hoping he gets back to camp and it\u2019s better than it looked.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to being one of the best hitters on a Cubs team with World Series ambitions, Suzuki has a chance to be near the top of the next class of free agents.<\/p>\n
Primarily working as a designated hitter, Suzuki posted career highs last season with 32 homers, 103 RBIs and 151 games played. He launched three more home runs during the playoffs, producing an .863 OPS and looking like the dangerous hitter the Cubs envisioned when they signed him to a five-year, $85 million contract that is set to expire after this season.<\/p>\n
Until Suzuki\u2019s knee issue cropped up, the Cubs were largely healthy during a quiet spring training without much roster intrigue ahead of the March 26 season opener against the Washington Nationals in Wrigleyville.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s an inherent risk every time you get on the field,\u201d said Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd, who made one WBC appearance with Team USA and then returned to Chicago\u2019s training camp. \u201cIt stinks, but it can happen anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the meantime, Counsell confirmed that Matt Shaw would be in line to take over as the club\u2019s primary right fielder if Suzuki is sidelined for an extended period. Shaw, a Gold Glove finalist as a rookie third baseman last year, is adapting well to the new super-utility role that will shift him between the infield and outfield.<\/p>\n
In assessing the overall shape of the roster, Counsell called the outfield \u201can area where we have the most depth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael Conforto, a one-time All-Star who signed a minor-league deal after the start of spring training, already had an inside track to a bench job. Two other non-roster invitees are also in the mix, with Dylan Carlson appearing to have an edge over Chas McCormick in the competition to be an extra outfielder.<\/p>\n
![\"Suzuki](\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1YDK56.img?w=412&h=231&q=90&m=6&f=webp&u=t\")
In evaluating Kevin Alc\u00e1ntara \u2014 the 6-foot-6 center fielder who\u2019s on the 40-man roster and ranked No. 41 in The Athletic\u2019s top 100 prospects\u00a0\u2014 the Cubs will likely lean toward long-term development and consistent playing time at Triple-A Iowa.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would want Kevin to have a role on the big-league team, certainly, at the start of the season,\u201d Counsell said. \u201cIt still could happen, though. But without a role, yeah, I think it\u2019s best at the start of the season we prioritize at-bats.\u201d<\/p>\n
All along, the Cubs planned for Suzuki to reclaim his spot in right field, showing little interest in bringing back Kyle Tucker, who signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers this winter. While the Cubs have maintained roster depth and created more flexibility, those alternatives are not as appealing as the idea of Suzuki at the top of his game.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s nothing we can do but wait,\u201d Counsell said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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