This weekend, Chicago Cubs fans were holding their breath after Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly left games with injuries. But on April 14, Cubs manager Craig Counsell finally gave an update, and the good news is that it’s nothing too serious.
Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly Avoid Serious Injuries as Cubs Stay Cautiously Optimistic
Suzuki, who’s been on fire to start the season batting .292/.390/.538 (AVG/on-OBP/SLG) in 17 games, left Saturday’s game against the Dodgers with some wrist pain. He aggravated a wrist initially sustained on April 7 against the Texas Rangers. Given his history with nagging injuries, it was easy for fans to worry this could be something serious.
However, Counsell spoke to the media before Monday night’s game against the San Diego Padres and shared updates on catcher Kelly and designated hitter Suzuki’s injury status. “I would describe them both as improved. We’ll let them go through everything and see where that puts them for the game,” he said, referring to both Suzuki and Kelly.
He added that while Friday would be the ‘worst-case scenario‘ for their return, there’s a good chance they’ll be back sometime during the current series. So, there doesn’t seem to be a significant setback for now.
“I think they are both improving, and you know, I guess the worst case scenario to me they would be they’d be available on Friday, but I think we’ll have them available in this series.”
As for Kelly, he took a 94 MPH fastball to the wrist on Sunday, courtesy of Los Angeles Dodgers’ Tyler Glasnow. Luckily, X-rays came back clean. “It’s sore.” the former Texas Ranger told reporters in LA after Sunday’s game. “I got X-rays. X-rays were good, and just really sore. That’s all.”
“I’ve broken some bones up there before,” he added. “I’ve gone through this process, and I’m just thankful that it’s not broken, and we’ll take it day by day.”
After Kelly departed, Miguel Amaya took charge of the catching duties to finish the 4-2 win against the Dodgers. Kelly was grateful Amaya stayed prepared and was ready at any moment.
“It’s kudos to him,” the 30-year-old said. “Just coming in and being prepared every single day. It’s a catcher’s worst nightmare when that happens. Another guy has to come in, but he’s prepared and he’s a pro, so kudos to him.”
The Cubs manager announced Sunday that starting pitcher Justin Steele will undergo season-ending surgery on his left elbow. Considering the Cubs have already lost ace Steele, who initially faced discomfort due to tightness in his elbow for the rest of the season, Counsell’s calm, steady update was exactly what fans needed to hear.
With the Cubs off to a hot 11-8 start and the offense clicking, getting Suzuki and Kelly back in the essential. But they can relax for now—both guys are healing up, and the worst-case scenario seems to be off the table.