Seiya Suzuki Set for Rehab Assignment with Double-A Knoxville After Knee Injury

Seiya Suzuki, outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment with the Double-A Knoxville Smokies on Friday night, following a workout with the team on Thursday. The announcement comes after Suzuki missed the Cubs' first six games of the season due to a sprained right knee.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell stated that Suzuki will play in the outfield during his stint with Knoxville and is expected to spend anywhere from three to seven days with the affiliate before rejoining the major league roster. Counsell emphasized that Suzuki's return will depend on how he feels as he resumes live action.

Suzuki has been sidelined since March 14, after injuring his knee while attempting a stolen base during the first inning of Japan’s quarterfinal loss to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic in Miami. In his absence, Matt Shaw and Michael Conforto have shared outfield duties, with Shaw notably contributing three RBIs and clean defensive plays in recent games.

The Cubs are set to start a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland beginning Friday, followed by another away series with the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg. Suzuki’s anticipated return will provide a boost as the team enters this challenging stretch.

The organization will monitor Suzuki's progress throughout his rehab assignment, with his return to Chicago depending on his recovery and game readiness.