{"id":664355,"date":"2026-04-05T09:41:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T09:41:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/664355\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T09:41:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T09:41:05","slug":"seiya-suzuki-timeline-for-cubs-return-looks-very-promising","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/664355\/","title":{"rendered":"Seiya Suzuki Timeline For Cubs Return Looks Very Promising"},"content":{"rendered":"

Seiya Suzuki suffered a knee injury during the World Baseball Classic. He has yet to make his 2026 debut for the Cubs.<\/p>\n

Seiya Suzuki has yet to play for the Chicago Cubs<\/a> in 2026. He suffered a knee injury during the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic in early March. However, his return to the Cubs lineup could be just right around the corner, thankfully enough.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

While attempting to steal second base for Team Japan on March 14th, Suzuki was removed from the game with a noticeable limp<\/a> and was helped off the field by a trainer. It was clear he would not be ready when the Cubs began their season, but the length of his absence was unknown.<\/p>\n

Suring Suzuki\u2019s absence, Matt Shaw and Michael Conforto have made starts in right field for the Cubs. Shaw\u2019s inexperience in the outfield and Conforto\u2019s lack of discipline at the plate have been noticeable sore spots for the Cubs. However, Suzuki could be coming back soon.<\/p>\n

Seiya Suzuki Begins Rehab Stint; Return to Cubs Could be Soon<\/p>\n

While the Cubs are on their first road trip of the year with stops in Cleveland and Tampa Bay, Seiya Suzuki will be rehabbing to make his return to Chicago. First, Suzuki is in Knoxville, Tennessee, with the Double-A Smokies affiliate.<\/p>\n

Story continues below.<\/p>\n

More Sports News<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

On Friday night, Suzuki started in right field<\/a> for the Smokies, going 1-2 at the plate with a single and a strikeout. He also had a sacrifice fly. In the field, he only made one play, fielding a sharp single to him in right field. He was replaced in the sixth inning, ending his night.<\/p>\n

The Cubs have said Suzuki never had to stop swinging the bat. Playing in right field is what is on their mind for these rehab starts to make sure he is ready. If everything goes perfectly, Suzuki could rejoin the Cubs in Chicago for next weekend\u2019s series with the Pittsburgh Pirates. But that is only if everything is perfect.<\/p>\n