Suzuki will not play in the WBC Classic
Suzuki will not play in the WBC Classic

Cubs News: Seiya Suzuki withdraws from 2023 World Baseball Classic with injury


by - Senior Editor -

Tough news for Seiya Suzuki.

The starting outfielder for the Chicago Cubs told Team Japan on Monday that he officially will have to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic because of his "moderate left oblique strain."

There is no timetable for his return to game action.

"It's really unfortunate that it had to come down to this decision," Suzuki said to reporters Tuesday. "I know a lot of people were excited to see me out there playing."

Cubs manager David Ross talked about the decision and his injury setback.

"He worked his tail off to take care of his body," Ross told reporters on Monday. "Sometimes things happen. There is some negativity in that, for sure. You want everybody to stay healthy. And then, if you want to flip it to a positive, we've got a lot of games that don't matter quite yet.

"And hopefully, whatever the timeline is, we'll build him up in the right way to get him back on the field as soon as possible."

Hopefully, Suzuki can get his rehab in and be healthy for the start of the regular season for the Cubs.

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