By Jesus Perez Vichot (Chuchi)
The stellar outfielder of the Samurai Japan team could be a casualty for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC for its acronym in English).
Last Saturday the Chicago Cubs right fielder, the Japanese Seiya Suzuki, was unable to line up with his team due to a left oblique strain. The player complained of discomfort and will undergo various tests.
Chicago Tribune broke the news that Seiya Suzuki had been replaced from the Cubs lineup by No. 2 prospect Brennen Davis. Finally the match was won by the Chicago team (NL) 10×8 against Giants at Slogan Park.
Alarms in Chicago and Japan
This news worries not only the Cubs, but also the Japanese team that is preparing to participate in the next World Baseball Classic. Most likely Suzuki cannot participate in said event.
This will be a very sensitive drop for the Asian team if it comes to fruition. Suzuki is one of the best hitters in the Japanese team.
In 2022 Seiya made his Major League debut with a .262/.336/.433/.770 offensive line. Additionally, he racked up 22 doubles, 14 home runs and 46 RBIs in 397 at-bats.
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Although the Land of the Rising Sun has several outfielders who can replace Suzuki in the 2023 WBC, it would be a notable loss for them to be without the 28-year-old right-handed hitter.
Right now it is not officially known if Suzuki will be low or not from the Samurai Japan team. But his presence at WBC 2023 is in doubt. The Japanese will host the tournament and will play in group B along with Korea, Australia, China and the Czech Republic, from March 9 to 13.
