Chicago Cubs fans worried as outfielder Seiya Suzuki suffers left oblique strain: "This season already sucks" "Surprised if he plays Opening Day"
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki has joined the list of MLB's walking wounded in the early days of spring training games. The team announced Tuesday that Suzuki has been diagnosed with a left oblique strain, a couple days after first announcing that oblique tightness was hampering the right fielder.
There is no immediate timetable for his return to the Cubs, but it has been announced that Suzuki will no longer play for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic that is set to begin next week.
Seiya Suzuki spoke to reporters through an interpreter Tuesday, noting his shock and disappointment in regards to the injury:
"I know a lot of people were kind of excited to see me out there playing. So, it's just a really unfortunate decision. It's just very unfortunate."
Suzuki was visibly upset while meeting with reporters, wiping tears from his eyes.
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.
The emotions of Chicago Cubs fans mirror those of Seiya Suzuki's. The 28-year-old was preparing for his second season in Wrigley Field and had fans dreaming big after he showed up to camp sporting considerably more muscle than in his rookie MLB season.
Welp....we haven't even gotten through the first week of Spring Training games and this season already sucks.
#Cubs twitter.com/PJ_Mooney/stat…
Im gonna lose my fucking marbles bro twitter.com/pj_mooney/stat…
Ugh with a side of UGH! twitter.com/PJ_Mooney/stat…
Of particular concern is that oblique injuries can be particularly frustrating and long-lasting. One of the few remedies known is time and rest. Suzuki is likely facing a long layoff, as evidenced by Tuesday's news that Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow will be shut down for six-eight weeks with a Grade B obligue strain.
Obliques are tough too. Could be a LONG time before he's back twitter.com/PJ_Mooney/stat…
@PJ_Mooney @BaseballFor2day Brutal and the second oblique this week in baseball. This injury nags, and even when it’s “healed”, it still bothers these guys.
As said on todays show, I would be surprised if he plays opening day twitter.com/PJ_Mooney/stat…
Cubs fans are an optimistic bunch, as one World Series victory in over 110 years will make a fanbase a patient lot. Some fans are hoping that if Suzuki faces an extended absence, it will open an opportunity for one of the team's young prospects -- Brennen Davis, Alexander Canario or Matt Mervis – to make a good impression.
Well Brennen Davis or Alexander Canario could potentially take over for injured Seiya and maybe even break camp. This is something to watch very closely the rest of ST, I doubt they let Nelson Velazquez just take over. twitter.com/pj_mooney/stat…
Obviously, not great, but I'm actually an optimist and I'm suddenly dreaming of Matt Mervis or Brennen Davis smashing this spring and earning their shot.
I want Seiya back ASAP but this could be an opportunity for someone. Go win a job boys. twitter.com/PJ_Mooney/stat…
Force their hand Brennen twitter.com/PJ_Mooney/stat…
Many fans are questioning whether Suzuki's offseason training that resulted in bulking him up may have helped contribute to the injury. One fan even invoked the wisdom of former MLB closer Rod Beck – who never met a cheeseburger or beer he didn't like – when referencing Suzuki's current plight.
@PJ_Mooney As Rod Beck said. You can't pull fat. Keep pumping up, Seiya.
Seiya Suzuki was poised for a big year for Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs were hoping for big things out of Seiya Suzuki in his second season with the club. Last year, Suzuki hit .262 with 14 home runs and 46 RBIs in 111 games.