Seiya Suzuki needed time to grasp the reality nearly four weeks ago that his left oblique strain would prevent him from playing in the World Baseball Classic.
That didn’t stop him from logging into the tournament and following Team Japan’s journey to the league title on Tuesday with their 3-2 win over Team USA. His teammates snagged Suzuki’s No. 51 jersey in their dugout and carried it onto the field during the title celebration and awards ceremony. The gesture did not go unnoticed at Suzuki.
“Even though I wasn’t in the team and wasn’t able to do much for the team, how did they do that for me by holding my uniform, not just in this situation but every match, they had my uniform in the dugout, it meant a lot to me,” Suzuki said Wednesday through performer Toy Matsushita. “Just seeing everyone working there…they were one of the motivating factors to keep going and hold your head up through the process.”
Suzuki, who is heading to the injured list to open the season, did not say when he might join the Cubs. He started batting practice in the cage on Wednesday and was expected to “hit the pillows,” manager David Ross said, despite not running at full speed.
Suzuki is positioned to stay in Arizona when the Cubs break camp to get live bats in extended spring training and then work their way through minor league progression. Cactus League at-bats seem unlikely before the end of the spring schedule on Tuesday. It’s not on Ross’ radar: “I don’t want to put anything aside, I’m not the coach or the doctor.”
“I don’t think anyone is watching him in spring training games from everything I’ve heard about his plan,” Ross said. “It’s a unique injury, and you try to deal with it as best you can, everything is positive from his point of view, he feels good. … We’re going to work on it responsibly.
Suzuki is happy with how he was able to increase the intensity of his progress. During this process, he learned to use his body more effectively, especially through his mobility. Big leaguers typically get around 50-60 at-bats in spring training. He doesn’t know if he’ll get that much between Arizona and his rehab assignment before returning to the Cubs.
“Obviously it’s better to have more batsmen in terms of preparation, but I’m going to do the best in a short period of time to be ready,” Suzuki said. “Obviously I want to be there as soon as possible, but it’s not just up to me. … It’s just about making the right decision and being there as soon as possible.
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