Jesse RogersMar 31, 2026, 07:05 PM ET
CloseJesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com.
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CHICAGO — Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki is close to returning from a knee injury he suffered during the World Baseball Classic, according to manager Craig Counsell.
Suzuki, 31, is eligible to come off the IL this weekend but will instead head to Double- or Triple-A to get some at-bats before being activated. The team is still deciding where he’ll do his rehab assignment based on weather reports for those respective teams.
Suzuki passed several tests Tuesday, leading to his return to the field.
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“Today was really trying to put him through one last test and that included some stops/starts, kind of unexpected moves on the bases,” Counsell said. “He did (some) sliding. So we’re in a really good space.”
Suzuki has been out since mid-March after injuring his right knee on a stolen base attempt during the WBC quarterfinals against Venezuela. He was diagnosed with a minor posterior cruciate ligament strain and has been on the mend since. The team could play him at designated hitter but wants him fully recovered before bringing him back.
“We’ll activate him when he’s ready to play right field,” Counsell said.
Suzuki had a huge year in 2025 when he hit a career-high 32 home runs while driving in 103. His production helped the Cubs to the postseason for the first time since 2020. He’ll be a free agent at the end of this season.