Trending Now - Suzuki Leaves WBC Game With Knee Discomfort Against Venezuela

WHO:

Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs outfielder

Team Japan

Shota Morishita, Suzuki's replacement in center field

Kazuma Okamoto, batter at the plate when Suzuki attempted to steal

Jordan Bastian, Senior Reporter for MLB.com

Anthony DiComo, MLB.com reporter

WHAT:

Seiya Suzuki exited Japan's World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against Venezuela due to right knee discomfort.

Suzuki attempted to steal second base in the first inning and was thrown out, leading to his exit.

Suzuki limped off the field and had difficulty walking down the dugout steps.

Shota Morishita replaced Suzuki in center field at the start of the second inning.

Morishita hit a three-run homer in the third inning, putting Japan up 5-2.

Suzuki is 3-for-9 with two home runs and six walks in the tournament, having started in center field in four of Japan's five games.

Suzuki batted .245 with 32 home runs and an .804 OPS in the previous season.

WHERE:

loanDepot park, Miami, Florida

Japan's World Baseball Classic quarterfinal matchup against Venezuela

WHEN:

The game occurred on March 14th, 2026.

Opening Day for the Cubs is less than two weeks from March 14th, 2026.

WHY:

The injury occurred during an attempt to steal second base, which was a critical play in the game.

HOW:

Suzuki was initially called safe on the stolen base attempt, but the call was overturned.

(UPDATED March 15, 2026 05:32 UTC)

In a tough turn of events for Team Japan, outfielder Seiya Suzuki exited their World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against Venezuela on March 14 due to discomfort in his right knee after attempting to steal second base in the first inning. Although he was initially called safe, the decision was overturned, and Suzuki limped off the field, leading to Shota Morishita taking over in center field, who then hit a three-run homer in the third inning to help Japan secure a 5-2 lead. Suzuki has had a solid tournament, going three for nine with two home runs and six walks, but with Opening Day for the Cubs less than two weeks away, his injury raises concerns for the upcoming season.