Seiya Suzuki withdraws from 2023 World Baseball Classic with injury

Suzuki will not play in the WBC Classic

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 10:07 AM

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.

David Ross provides an update on Seiya Suzuki. pic.twitter.com/QCjIJhNuDd
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 28, 2023

Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki has been diagnosed with a moderate left oblique strain, according to the team. There is no immediate timetable for his return to game action.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) February 28, 2023