Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki is off to a great start in 2024 after a fantastic spring. The 29-year-old is slashing .305/.368/.525 at the plate with three home runs and 13 RBI across 15 games.
However, the worst-case scenario happened for Suzuki only a couple of games ago against the Seattle Mariners. The Japanese native was trying to beat out a grounder, but he slowed down as he approached first base. It surely appeared like the outfielder injured himself on the run.
So, how serious is Suzuki's injury? When is he coming back? Let's dive in and find out.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and weekly lineup resources:- Fantasy baseball injury reports
- Fantasy baseball trade analyzer
- Daily MLB starting lineups for fantasy baseball
- Fantasy baseball BvP matchups data (Batter vs. Pitcher)
- Fantasy baseball PvB matchups data (Pitcher vs. Batter)
- Who should I start? Fantasy baseball player comparisons
- Fantasy baseball closer depth charts, bullpens, saves
- Fantasy Baseball live scoreboard, daily leaderboards
Seiya Suzuki Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball
While there wasn't any talk of a possible Suzuki injury after Sunday's game, it became a possibility when the Cubs called up outfielder Alexander Canario early Monday morning. Then, it became a reality when Chicago announced that the outfielder would be hitting the 10-day injured list with an oblique injury.
The injury is a tough break for Suzuki -- who is off to the best start of his young career. He will miss at least the next 10 days, but there's a strong chance he will miss more than that. Last year, the 29-year-old missed six weeks with an oblique injury that caused him to miss a portion of the regular season.
The #Cubs today recalled OF Alexander Canario from @IowaCubs and placed OF Seiya Suzuki on the 10-day IL with a right oblique strain. pic.twitter.com/tjjFcvJPsq
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 15, 2024
Despite missing six weeks with that oblique issue in 2023, Suzuki hopes his recent injury won't keep him out for that long. The outfielder did say that "it's not as serious as last year," so that's certainly good news.
Seiya Suzuki Fantasy Baseball Outlook
It's going to be hard for fantasy managers to replace Suzuki's production over the next couple of weeks. He had a hit in 11 of 15 games while tallying multi-hits in five of those contests. As a result, it won't be easy to find a hitter on waivers or on your bench who will have the same production at the plate.
For now, though, fantasy managers can place Suzuki into one of their IL slots. While there's a solid chance he misses more than the 10-game minimum, he will be back eventually. So, don't drop him by any means.
#Cubs Seiya Suzuki landed on the IL with an oblique strain.
Looked fine on the swings in this final plate appearance of yesterday's game but running down the line you see him let up and grab at the right side. pic.twitter.com/kB5qpNC5UJ
— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) April 15, 2024
Suzuki has turned into a reliable bat in Chicago's lineup, and that won't change when he comes back. He could also be a nice buy-low option for any fantasy manager who grows impatient with his injury. The 29-year-old hits second in an improved Cubs' offense, which should help his overall offensive numbers in 2024.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!