Seiya Suzuki injury updates: Latest news on Team Japan OF after limping off field in WBC game vs. Venezuela
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Seiya Suzuki injury updates: Latest news on Team Japan OF after limping off field in WBC game vs. Venezuela originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Saturday's quarterfinal game between Japan and Venezuela couldn't have gotten off to a more exciting start with home runs from Ronald Acuna Jr. and Shohei Ohtani, but the Japanese lineup took a hit at the end of the first inning.
OF Seiya Suzuki was forced to exit the game after coming up injured after being caught stealing, forcing Japan to change its strategy much earlier than expected. Shota Morishita entered the game for Suzuki, who started in centerfield.
The injury was a bad sight for Chicago Cubs fans as well, as Suzuki his 32 home runs and drove in 103 runs on the North Side last season.
Here's what you need to know about Suzuki's injury and his status for the remainder of the World Baseball Classic.
LIVE:Follow updates from Japan vs. Venezuela in WBC quarterfinals
Seiya Suzuki injury updates
Suzuki came up limping after being caught stealing to end the first inning on Saturday, but it wasn't immediately clear what the exact injury was. Suzuki was tagged near the ribcage, but he also appeared to hit his knee into the base during the hard slide.
During the game, the Fox broadcast reported Suzuki is dealing with "discomfort of the right knee."
After Japan's medical team came over to take a look at him, Suzuki walked off without assistance but had a pronounced limp. Morishita took his place in centerfield for the top of the second inning.
What happened to Seiya Suzuki?
Suzuki appeared to be in pain after a hard slide at the end of the first inning. He was initially ruled safe on the stolen base attempt before replay overturned the call.
Seiya Suzuki limped off the field after getting caught stealing to end the first inning
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 15, 2026
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/yO7HlU9LE8
After remaining down while the play was reviewed, Suzuki walked off with a limp and was reported to be dealing with knee discomfort after his knee hit second base during his slide attempt.
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What MLB team does Seiya Suzuki play for?
Suzuki plays for the Cubs and is heading into his fifth season with the franchise.
The Cubs signed Suzuki to a five-year deal in the days after the lockout ended in 2022, and he is coming off three consecutive seasons with an OPS north of .800. While Suzuki spent the bulk of 2025 as the Cubs' designated hitter, Kyle Tucker's departure is expected to force him back to right field.
Before coming over to the United States, Suzuki spent nine seasons with the Hiroshima Carp.
MORE: Italy upsets Puerto Rico to advance to WBC semifinals
Seiya Suzuki contract details
Suzuki is heading into the final season of a five-year, $85 million contract. He will be a free agent after the 2027 season.
The Cubs are still looking for postseason success, but Suzuki's contract has largely been a success. He has a career OPS+ of 129 through four seasons, 29 points above the league average, and has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the last three seasons. Even after he turns 32 in August, another solid season at the plate could set Suzuki up for a second multi-year deal on the open market.