Chicago Cubs fans watched in agony as Seiya Suzuki limp off the field during Saturday’s World Baseball Classic game between Japan and Venezuela.
Suzuki was caught stealing second base to end the first inning at loanDepot park in Miami, Fla. The Cubs outfielder immediately had a look of discomfort on his face after sliding into second base for naught. He was seen grabbing at his right knee as trainers came to assist him.
Seiya Suzuki has been removed from the game after injuring himself on this caught stealing pic.twitter.com/Voz0u9CSIY
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 15, 2026
Suzuki was able to walk off the field on his own power, but was unable to stay in the game. Outfielder Shota Morishita replaced him at center field. The Morishita insertion ended up benefiting Japan, as he smashed a 3-run homer to put his team ahead 5-2 in the bottom of the 3rd inning.
Shota Morishita gives Japan the lead with a three-run homer!!!
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 15, 2026
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/BXf6XhfUUN
Cubs fans can only hope that Suzuki’s injury does not keep him out for any extended period of time. The Japanese slugger was one of Chicago’s most dependable run-producers last season, tallying a team-best 103 RBIs across 151 games played. His 32 home runs were second only to Michael Busch. Suzuki stole just 5 bases all of last season and was caught stealing twice.
Scenes like what happened to Suzuki on Saturday are why some MLB teams are hesitant to allow their players to suit up for the World Baseball Classic. A few MLB stars were barred by their teams from joining the tournament for fear of injury.
