The Chicago Cubs’ offense suffered a major blow Monday when the team announced that right fielder Seiya Suzuki would be placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique injury.
Suzuki missed the start of last season after being scratched before the team’s first spring training game with a left oblique strain. With this particular injury, Suzuki returned to MLB after six weeks.
During the eighth inning of Sunday’s 3-2 win over the Seattle Mariners, cameras showed Suzuki as he appeared to get up and clutch his right side while trying to beat a grounded player on the ground.
Suzuki had a torrid time to finish last season through the spring and looks ready to emerge as the roster star that was desperately needed. In 15 games, Suzuki was hitting .305/.368/.525 with three home runs and four doubles. His contact quality was among the best in the game with a hard hit rate of 53.7 percent, ranking 21st in all of baseball, and an average exit velocity of 94.7 mph, good for seventh place.
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The Cubs lineup had been one of the strongest in baseball early in the season, but slowed down against a strong Mariners pitching staff. Ian Happ, Christopher Morel and Cody Bellinger all struggled in the three games in Seattle and each will need to step up in Suzuki’s absence. Michael Busch continuing his torrid streak of offensive performances to start the season (184 wRC+ with five home runs) would also help.
Outfielder Alexander Canario was called up to fill Suzuki’s spot on the roster. The right-handed prospect was acquired from the San Francisco Giants along with pitcher Caleb Kilian for Kris Bryant at the 2021 trade deadline. Canario made his debut late last season and looked strong in just 17 plate appearances (146 wRC+). He was one of the last cut in the spring and in 13 games in Triple-A, Canario slashed .269/.377/.481 with two home runs.
The Cubs have suffered significant injuries in their rotation (Justin Steele), in the bullpen (Julian Merryweather) and now in their lineup with Suzuki down.
After missing much of the spring due to back pain, Jameson Taillon is expected to make his first start of the season this week. Another bat could be ready if needed as Patrick Wisdom (back) has been at Triple-A for seven games and has impressed at the plate.
Losing Suzuki for an extended period of time would be a major blow to an offense that had largely carried the team early on. But after already getting off to a strong start to the season (9-6), the Cubs could survive this stint on the IL with the hope that others step up as the team attempts to build a deep and intimidating lineup. The fact that they were able to withstand the injuries they have already suffered is a promising and auspicious sign as they look to be healthy for May and beyond.
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(Photo: Stephen Brashear/Associated Press)