Jorge Castillo
Multiple Authors
MIAMI — Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki exited Japan’s World Baseball Classic quarterfinal matchup against Venezuela with an apparent right knee injury after attempting to steal second base in the first inning.
Suzuki, who was thrown out to end the inning, limped off the field with a trainer and had difficulty walking down the dugout steps. He was replaced by Shota Morishita in center field for the start of the second inning.
While a potential blow to the Cubs with Opening Day in less than two weeks, Suzuki’s injury is a definite blow to Japan’s offense Saturday and beyond if they advance to the semifinals to play Italy on Monday. Suzuki batted third for Japan Saturday and is 3 for 9 with two home runs and six walks in the tournament while starting in center field in four of Japan’s five games.
The 31-year-old Suzuki, who played just one game in center field for the Cubs last season, batted .245 with 32 home runs and an .804 OPS last season.
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