Japan’s Seiya Suzuki leaves WBC quarterfinal after appearing to hurt leg on slide

By Canadian Press on March 14, 2026.

MIAMI (AP) — Japan’s Seiya Suzuki left Saturday night’s World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Venezuela after appearing to hurt his left leg while he was caught stealing in the first inning.

The Chicago Cubs outfielder walked with one out against Ranger Suárez and as he slid headfirst into second base appeared to hit his left leg hard on the base. At first ruled safe by second baseman umpire Maikol Tibibijo, Suzuki was called out in a video review.

Suzuki walked gingerly as he returned to the dugout, accompanied by an athletic trainer. After a slightly extended half-inning break, Suzuki was replaced in center field by Shota Morishita.

Entering the final season of an $85 million, five-year contract, the 31-year-old Suzuki has a .269 average with 87 homers and 296 RBIs with the Cubs.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

The Associated Press

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