The Chicago Cubs have gotten off to a strong start this season, jumping out to an early lead in the NL Central with a 10-7 record. In the offseason, the Cubs made a massive move by acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. He was one of the best players in baseball to begin the year, but Seiya Suzuki has also been on fire to start the season.
Unfortunately, Suzuki suffered an injury in their recent game and may have to miss a few days.
Seiya Suzuki Suffers Injury Scare to Wrist
Suzuki suffered a wrist injury while sliding into second base. According to Marquee Sports Network, Suzuki said, “There’s some discomfort there. So just being cautionary.”
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Suzuki is day-to-day. But he was not in the lineup for Sunday’s game on April 13.
In the first 17 games of the season, Suzuki batted .292 with four home runs and 15 RBIs, along with an OPS of .928. He is making an early case to be an All-Star this season and has the makings of a career year.
Luckily for the Cubs, their outfield depth will allow them to stay solid while Suzuki misses time. They have Tucker, Ian Happ, and Pete Crow-Armstrong in the outfield and can use Justin Turner or Michael Busch as designated hitters.
Cubs Hoping To End Postseason Drought
The Cubs have not been to the postseason since the 2020 COVID-19-shortened season. That season, they lost 2-0 in the NL Wild Card Series and have not won a playoff series since 2017.
The Cubs have built a strong roster via free agency and the draft. They understand the value of drafting and developing players like Matt Shaw, Ian Happ, and Nico Hoerner.
They are reaping the benefits of building a strong roster this year and are favorites to win the NL Central for the first time since 2020. While we know they have a lineup that can score, it will come down to their pitching staff. Their rotation is led by Shota Imanaga, one of the better left-handed pitchers in baseball. After him, there are substantial question marks, including those of Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Ben Brown.
One major setback for the team was Justin Steele’s elbow injury. He recently injured his elbow and will undergo Tommy John surgery. That is a significant loss that could make the Cubs look for pitching help on the trade market. While this team may be good enough to win the NL Central, they probably need another piece to be World Series contenders.