{"id":166843,"date":"2026-03-20T07:33:45","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T07:33:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=166843"},"modified":"2026-03-20T07:33:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T07:33:45","slug":"breaking-%f0%9f%94%a5-tension-builds-cubs-seiya-suzuki-questionable-for-opening-day-after-pcl-injury-minor-sprain-but-day-by-day-drama-has-fans-on-edge-counsell-calls-it-encouraging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=166843","title":{"rendered":"BREAKING \ud83d\udd25 TENSION BUILDS: Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki Questionable for Opening Day After PCL Injury\u2014Minor Sprain, But “Day-by-Day” Drama Has Fans on Edge! Counsell calls it encouraging\u2014miss games or return stronger? The wait is torture! \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As the Cubs gear up for Opening Day, Seiya Suzuki’s PCL sprain raises pressing questions about the team’s early-season lineup.<\/div>\n
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As the Chicago Cubs gear up for Opening Day, all eyes are on Seiya Suzuki’s recovery from a PCL sprain. While the Cubs are optimistic, Suzuki’s readiness for the season opener remains uncertain.<\/p>\n

The team’s medical update suggests a relatively positive outlook, as Suzuki is still cleared for baseball activities. However, the typical recovery timeline for a PCL sprain hovers around three weeks, sometimes stretching to a month.<\/p>\n

This puts Suzuki on track to possibly return in the second week of the regular season. Strategically, the Cubs might place him on the IL with a retroactive date, aiming for his comeback during their road trip against the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays.<\/p>\n

Suzuki isn’t the only Cub on the mend. The pitching staff is also dealing with several key injuries:<\/p>\n

Justin Steele<\/strong>
\nJustin Steele is making steady progress after elbow surgery ended his 2025 season early.<\/p>\n

Cleared for baseball activities, Steele has been facing live batters, though he hasn’t yet appeared in a Cactus League game. The plan has been for Steele to return by late May or early June.<\/p>\n

With roster decisions looming, Steele is likely headed to the 60-day IL, targeting a return in the final week of May.<\/p>\n

Shelby Miller<\/strong>
\nDespite undergoing Tommy John surgery in October, Shelby Miller joined the Cubs on a two-year deal, with expectations set for a 2027 bullpen role.<\/p>\n

Surprisingly, Miller might be ahead of schedule. Already on the 60-day IL, he hasn’t ruled out a September return, offering a potential late-season boost.<\/p>\n

Jordan Wicks<\/strong>
\nJordan Wicks is dealing with nerve irritation but is poised to resume bullpen sessions soon.<\/p>\n

Likely starting the season on the IL, Wicks is expected to participate in extended spring training. Barring setbacks, he’ll probably spend significant time with Triple-A Iowa this season.<\/p>\n

Porter Hodge<\/strong>
\nPorter Hodge faces a challenging road ahead after suffering a strained flexor tendon.<\/p>\n

Without a clear timeline for his return, Hodge’s injury woes continue to impact his trajectory. It’s doubtful he’ll play a role in the bullpen this year, as injuries have hindered his progress over the past year.<\/p>\n

As the Cubs prepare for the season, these injury updates are crucial for shaping their Opening Day roster and early-season strategies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As the Cubs gear up for Opening Day, Seiya Suzuki’s PCL sprain raises pressing questions about the team’s early-season lineup. As the Chicago Cubs gear up for… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":166854,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-166843","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\nBREAKING \ud83d\udd25 TENSION BUILDS: Cubs' Seiya Suzuki Questionable for Opening Day After PCL Injury\u2014Minor Sprain, But "Day-by-Day" Drama Has Fans on Edge! Counsell calls it encouraging\u2014miss games or return stronger? 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