Cubs set timeline for Seiya Suzuki’s return to big-league lineup
The Cubs got Cody Bellinger back in the lineup Tuesday night and Seiya Suzuki is not far behind.
Suzuki has been out since April 15 with a right oblique strain but the Cubs are now just days away from their lineup returning to 100% health.
While Bellinger returned without a rehab assignment, Suzuki is headed to Triple-A Iowa to play a couple games there.
“Anticipation is he will be there for Wednesday and Thursday and rejoin us on Friday or Saturday,” Craig Counsell said before Tuesday’s game.
Bellinger only ended up missing two weeks from his fractured ribs, so the Cubs felt comfortable with him rejoining the club without a rehab stint.
But since Suzuki has been out for a longer period, he needs to get some time against live pitching in a minor league environment.
Both players took part in a live BP session Monday night at Wrigley Field before the game.
Prior to the injury, Suzuki was one of the team’s most productive hitters with a .305/.368/.525 slash line (.893 OPS), 3 homers and 13 RBI in 15 games.
Getting Suzuki back will help a Cubs offense that has been inconsistent of late, though Bellinger’s return should also help address that issue.