Cubs' Craig Counsell Shares Seiya Suzuki Injury Update After Guardians Game

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki will continue his rehab assignment for the next few days, according to manager Craig Counsell. The 31-year-old is expected to rejoin the team in Chicago on Friday.

Suzuki, who’s been on the Cubs roster since 2022, has to miss the start of the season due to a knee injury that flared up before the start of the season. The injury occurred as Suzuki was representing Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

As a result of the injury, Suzuki was forced to miss the start of the season and was placed on the 10-day injured list. Suzuki’s recovery has been going well, according to the team, and has been playing rehab games with the Minor League affiliate team.

During a rehab game Sunday, Suzuki was able to go 1-2, including a walk. Suzuki has progressed in his rehab assignment and is expected to play two more rehab games on Tuesday and Wednesday before the organization allows him to return to the team on Friday if all goes well.

While speaking with the media on Sunday, Counsell gave the promising update to those in attendance regarding Suzuki. “We wanted to get through these three days before we talked to him,” Counsell said.

“We’ll get three days’ worth of playing to decide what needs to be next.” (h/t Tony Crumpton of CubsHQ).

Suzuki had one of the best seasons of his career during the 2025 MLB season, reaching a personal record in both runs and RBIs. Suzuki was also able to make his postseason appearance, hitting three homeruns in the process and helping the Cubs advance against the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card before bowing out in the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers in five games.

Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) runs into the dugout against the San Francisco Giants.© Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Before Suzuki began making a name for himself in the MLB, he was showcasing his talents in Japan. During his time with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, Suzuki made five NPB All-Star appearances and won five Golden Glove awards.

Suzuki has also represented Japan on the biggest stages, including a gold medal victory in the 2021 Summer Olympics. Suzuki hoped to make a big impact for Japan in the 2026 WBC but the injury he suffered kept him off the field.

Suzuki’s progress in rehab gives the Cubs confidence that he can return to the roster very soon and make as much of an impact as possible. The Cubs are currently sitting in last place in the NL Central.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Cubs’ Craig Counsell Shares Seiya Suzuki Injury Update After Guardians Game

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