Seiya Suzuki ruled out for Cubs season opener, Conforto makes team

Veteran outfielder Michael Conforto will get playing time in right field while Suzuki is sidelined by a knee injury.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:06am

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Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki has been ruled out for opening day due to a right knee injury suffered while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Manager Craig Counsell said Suzuki is likely headed to the 15-day injured list, but could return as soon as April 1. In a separate move, the Cubs informed veteran outfielder Michael Conforto that he will be on the opening-day roster and is expected to see playing time in right field while Suzuki is out.

Why it matters

Suzuki's injury is a setback for the Cubs as they look to build on a promising 2025 season. Conforto's addition to the roster provides outfield depth and experience, but the team will need Suzuki back healthy to maximize their offensive potential.

The details

Suzuki suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee on March 14 while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. He has not yet tested the knee with running or stopping and starting movements, and Counsell said the team wants to give Suzuki time to get fully healthy before activating him. Conforto, who struggled mightily with the Dodgers last season, will likely get playing time in right field while Suzuki is out, with other options including Matt Shaw, Dylan Carlson, and Chas McCormick.

  • Suzuki suffered the injury on March 14 while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
  • Suzuki has been ruled out for the Cubs' season opener on Thursday, March 28.
  • If the Cubs backdate Suzuki's IL stint, he would be eligible to return on April 1 for the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels.

The players

Seiya Suzuki

Chicago Cubs right fielder who suffered a right knee injury while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Craig Counsell

Manager of the Chicago Cubs.

Michael Conforto

Veteran outfielder who has made the Cubs' opening-day roster and is expected to see playing time in right field while Suzuki is sidelined.

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What they’re saying

“Once you get past opening day, we've got to make a decision. Just makes sense to give him some time, and we've got time to make that decision, but that's kind of where we're at. … We're running out of time in terms of being ready that quickly. Nothing has changed with the original diagnosis.”

— Craig Counsell, Manager

“What can we get him on the field doing before we activate him? I think that's important. And getting him comfortable with playing every day, playing in the field, things like that.”

— Craig Counsell, Manager

What’s next

If the Cubs backdate Suzuki's IL stint, he would be eligible to return on April 1 for the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels.

The takeaway

Suzuki's injury is a setback for the Cubs, but Conforto's addition provides outfield depth and experience as the team looks to build on a promising 2025 season. The key will be getting Suzuki fully healthy and back on the field as soon as possible to maximize the team's offensive potential.