Cubs hope to regain Seiya Suzuki ahead of divisional series

Apr 6, 2026 - 07:30

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Cubs hope to regain Seiya Suzuki ahead of divisional series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Cubs’ offense has taken its time to get going this season, as the NL Central contenders are currently hitting with the fifth-lowest batting average in the league (.206) and the sixth-lowest slugging percentage (.335).

This would’ve come as a surprise to hear during the offseason after the signing of former Silver Slugger Alex Bregman, who is currently hitting .214/.313/.429 across his seven appearances season.

But there could be another reason for the Cubs’ lackluster start to the 2026 season: the absence of their star slugger Seiya Suzuki, who has been out for some time due to an injury suffered while playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Last season for Chicago, Suzuki was on fire, hitting for .245/.326/.478, while smashing a career-high 32 home runs and bringing in 103 RBIs. So just to reiterate, the Cubs were certain to miss such a productive player.

Craig Counsell gives an update on Suzuki’s return

Despite practicing with Chicago throughout the opening slate of games, the Japanese slugger has been with the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate, the Knoxville Smokies, appearing in some rehab matches to get him up to speed.

In his two appearances for Knoxville, Suzuki has been raking, hitting with a batting average of .333 with six hits to his name.

Per #Cubs Craig Counsell, Seiya Suzuki will stay on rehab assignment Tuesday/Wednesday and rejoin the team Friday in Chicago.— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) April 5, 2026

But it seems that the 31-year-old isn’t destined to stay there much longer, as Cubs manager Craig Counsell gave an update on Sunday, explaining that Suzuki will make a few more appearances in the coming days before returning to the Major League roster, as reported by Taylor McGregor.

If that timetable is accurate, Suzuki would rejoin Chicago as they take on their divisional rivals, the Pittsburgh Pirates, for a three-game series spanning the weekend.

It’ll be yet another storyline for Cubs fans and baseball fans alike to focus on as the season continues to progress.