Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki of the Cubs receives positive news on knee injury, still hopeful to be ready for Opening Day.

Today, Japanese player Seiya Suzuki is in good spirits and even joking, which seems like a positive sign. The Chicago Cubs outfielder, who was forced to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic a few days ago due to a right knee injury, was limping through the Cubs' Arizona locker room the previous day but is now ready to make witty remarks.

“I hope I can make sure my knee is glued back together properly,” Suzuki said via translator Edwin Stanberry.

The coming days will provide clearer insight into whether Suzuki can be ready for Opening Day, but both the Cubs and Suzuki collectively breathed a sigh of relief today. According to manager Craig Counsell, his right knee MRI results showed a “minor” posterior cruciate ligament sprain.

Suzuki has been permitted to continue light training for the remainder of this week, with activity gradually increasing as rehabilitation progresses to test his body's tolerance. Counsell indicated that the Cubs may need to decide by Sunday whether Suzuki will be ready for the Opening Day game on March 26 (U.S. time) or if he will need to be placed on the injured list.

“We did receive good news,” Counsell said, “Now it’s about moving forward and seeing how things go… The question is ‘Will it affect the first day of the season?’ or ‘Will it cause him to miss the first week?’ That’s exactly what we’re trying to figure out and gather more information on.”

Suzuki sustained the injury during the first inning of Japan’s quarterfinal game against Venezuela at LoanDepot Park in Miami last Sunday, while attempting to steal a base. The right fielder returned to the Cubs’ spring training camp on Tuesday, met with team doctors and staff, and underwent an MRI to obtain more details.

Over the past few days, Suzuki has been wearing a soft brace to protect his right knee, but he noted that he already feels improvement. “It seems to get better every day,” Suzuki said, “This is my first knee injury, so I have no prior experience. There was certainly some worry—about how painful it would be, etc. But based on all the examination results, I’m very optimistic about my condition.”

Suzuki joked that he “runs faster than Pete (Crow-Armstrong),” but added: “However, I think my knee is still stuck at second base in Miami.”

The Cubs hope they won’t face losing a key power hitter from their lineup. Last season, the 31-year-old Suzuki performed excellently, playing 151 games for the North Side neighbors, hitting 32 home runs, 31 doubles, and contributing 103 RBIs.

If Suzuki is unavailable at the start of the season, the Cubs have versatile Matt Shaw as an option for right field, who has been preparing this spring training to serve as a super utility role. Chicago also has veteran outfielders Dylan Carlson, Michael Conforto, and Chas McCormick competing for spots as non-roster invitees in camp. Rookie Kevin Alcántara is also on the 40-man roster.

The outfield is an area with decent depth for the Cubs, but Suzuki’s injury and potential absence on Opening Day adds complexity to the roster puzzle.

“Suzuki’s news makes things more uncertain,” Counsell said regarding the outfield and bench situation, “We need to observe a bit longer.”

After missing the 2023 Classic due to injury, Suzuki was very excited to represent Japan this time. In this tournament, he had 3 hits in 9 at-bats with a .333 batting average, contributing two home runs, five RBIs, and six walks, but exited early in the first inning of Sunday’s loss. Suzuki attempted to steal second base with a hard head-first slide, then walked off cautiously.

The timing of this injury is unfortunate, but Suzuki’s teammates understand how meaningful representing Japan was to him.

“For Suzuki, he’s someone very proud to represent his country—and he couldn’t participate last time,” said starter Jameson Taillon, who played for Team Canada in the Classic, “I think this meant a lot to him, and he really wanted to be part of it. So you can’t blame him. But unfortunately, whenever you step onto the field, there’s risk.”

Suzuki stated that he plans to approach his return cautiously, aware that the team hopes for a deep October run after the 162-game season.

“Communication with the team is important,” Suzuki said, “I want to play, but I don’t want to rush. I think for me, taking it slow, ensuring full recovery, and then moving forward is very important.”