Chicago Cubs OF Seiya Suzuki is out of the lineup for today’s road contest against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cubs everyday right-fielder is heading to the injured list with an oblique strain. The right fielder is out for a minimum of ten days, adding to the growing list of absences for Chicago early in this season.
Oblique Strain Sidelines Suzuki
Seiya Suzuki has gotten out to a good start in the 2024 season. The Japanese slugger is hitting .305 with a .368 OBP, .525 SLG and .893 OPS. The solid start is a continuation of Suzuki’s good performance that dates back to August of last year. Suzuki, starting his third season in MLB, is coming into his own as a prolific hitter for the Chicago Cubs. This will be derailed for at least a week and a half as he deals with a right oblique strain.
Cubs Recall Prospect to Fill Roster Spot
With Suzuki on the shelf, the Chicago Cubs have an additional roster spot to fill. Highly-touted prospect Alexander Canario has been called up to fill that spot. Canario will be starting his second season in the majors, after playing in six games at the end of 2023.
He hit .294 with 1 HR and 6 RBI in 17 AB. Canario is ranked as the Cubs’ tenth-best prospect according to mlb.com. So far in 2024 with Chicago’s AAA affiliate, the Iowa Cubs, Canario has hit .269, with a .377 OBP, .481 SLG and .858 OPS.
Replacing Suzuki in Chicago Lineup
The injury to Seiya Suzuki opens a temporary position in right field for the Cubs. The move to bring up Alexander Canario doesn’t mean he’s going to replace Suzuki in the lineup and in the field. This responsibility will likely go to Mike Tauchman.
Tauchman bore a lot of the center field responsibility last year for the Cubs. Along with manning the middle outfield position, Tauchman took over lead-off duties for the Cubs. With a need at first base, Cody Bellinger spent much of the year in the infield but with the sprouting of Michael Busch early in 2024, Bellinger has spent his time in center field, relegating Tauchman to the corner outfield or bench so far this year.
Mike Tauchman has seen sparse action in the early going, only getting 26 AB so far. Tauchman has opened the season hitting .192 with a .382 OBP, .269 SLG, .652 OPS and 1 RBI. In tonight’s series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tauchman is hitting 8th and playing right field.
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