The Chicago Cubs’ standout gamer, Seiya Suzuki, needed to leave the video game versus the Los Angeles Dodgers due to pain in his best wrist, as reported by the group. Suzuki, who was designated as the group’s designated player (DH) throughout the match, was replaced by Miguel Amaya in the 5th inning. According to Taylor McGregor from Marquee Sports Network, Suzuki at first experienced wrist discomfort throughout a current series versus the Athletics in Sacramento while playing in the outfield. Since that series, he has actually just played as a DH in the 8 video games that followed, exposing the effect of this injury on his efficiency and schedule.

At this time, it stays unpredictable whether Suzuki’s injury is a small, everyday problem or if it will require a stint on the hurt list, which would substantially affect the Cubs’ lineup. Losing Suzuki, among the group’s leading offensive gamers, would be a noteworthy blow. The Cubs have actually begun the season strong, attaining a good 10-7 record, strengthened by an excellent MLB-leading overall of 113 runs scored. This averages almost 7 runs per video game, with contributions from offseason acquisition Kyle Tucker, who boasts an exceptional 206 wRC+ up until now, and Suzuki, who is keeping a strong 170 wRC+ in this early season.

Despite Suzuki’s outstanding start this season, it’s important to keep in mind that he has actually regularly been the very best player for the Cubs over the last 3 seasons, even before the acquisition of Tucker this previous winter season. Since his arrival from Japan before the 2022 season, Suzuki has an excellent batting line of .279/.356/.473, with a 131 wRC+ that ties him with other noteworthy gamers like Pete Alonso and Joc Pederson for the 22nd area amongst certified MLB players throughout this duration. His efficiency in 2015 was a lot more exceptional, where he tape-recorded a slash line of .283/.366/.482 and a wRC+ of 138 throughout 132 video games. However, keeping his health has actually been a repeating obstacle, as he dealt with a finger sprain that restricted him to 111 video games in his novice season and has actually handled oblique stress for the previous 2 seasons.

The circumstance surrounding this newest wrist injury stays uncertain, however ought to it need a journey to the hurt list, the Cubs thankfully have the depth to deal with the lack of among their crucial gamers. Veteran Justin Turner, who signed up with the Cubs in the offseason, is readily available to offer experience off the bench and can likewise substitute Michael Busch in the beginning base. Although Turner’s present batting line stands at .250/.346/.250 over 26 plate looks, he has actually handled to keep equivalent strikeout and walk rates of 11.5%. Given his substantial history of above-average offending production covering over a years, Turner is anticipated to step up and offer important assistance to the lineup, even if he might not duplicate the elite offending output that Suzuki has actually provided this season.

If the Cubs decide to boost their lineup by promoting among their potential customers from Triple-A instead of counting on Turner, the readily available alternatives might not be especially attracting at this minute. Both Kevin Alcantara and James Triantos are yet to discover their rhythm with the Iowa affiliate, and calling either gamer up might show difficult, specifically because they are resisting minors pitching. On a brighter note, Owen Caissie is presently striking a more appealing .267/.365/.538 over 7 video games with Iowa this year, following an effective season in 2015 where he published a 121 wRC+. However, his traditionally high strikeout rate, presently at 40% this season, raises issues concerning his consistency and capability to contribute successfully at the big league level.