Cubs Outfielder Seiya Suzuki Starts 2026 Season with Knoxville Smokies

Suzuki begins rehab stint with Double-A affiliate after knee injury in World Baseball Classic

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:49pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors like blue, red, and yellow, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Suzuki's return to the field will be a key moment for the Cubs as they aim to build on their 2025 season and compete in the NL Central.Knoxville Today

Japanese-born baseball star Seiya Suzuki, who went viral in 2025 for taking batting practice with a samurai sword, has started the 2026 season with the Chicago Cubs' Double-A affiliate, the Knoxville Smokies. Suzuki, who suffered a knee injury while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic in March, began his rehab stint with the Smokies on April 3, getting a ground-ball single in his first at-bat.

Why it matters

Suzuki's return to the field is crucial for the Cubs as they look to build on their 2025 season. The 28-year-old outfielder had a strong debut year with the Cubs in 2022, and the team is hoping he can provide a boost to their lineup as they aim to compete in the NL Central.

The details

Suzuki's rehab start with the Smokies on April 3 began with a ground-ball single in the gap between second and third base, and he crossed home plate in the first inning courtesy of a three-run homer from teammate Jefferson Rojas. Chicago manager Craig Counsell has indicated that Suzuki could rejoin the Cubs in the next 3-7 days, depending on how his rehab progresses.

  • Suzuki suffered the knee injury while playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic in March 2026.
  • Suzuki began his rehab stint with the Knoxville Smokies on April 3, 2026.

The players

Seiya Suzuki

A Japanese-born baseball player who joined the Chicago Cubs in 2022 after nearly a decade as a professional player in Japan. In his first year with the Cubs, Suzuki played in 111 games and finished the season with a .262 batting average, 14 home runs and 46 RBIs.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs, who has indicated that Suzuki could rejoin the team in the next 3-7 days, depending on how his rehab progresses.

Jefferson Rojas

A teammate of Suzuki's on the Knoxville Smokies, who hit a three-run homer in the first inning of Suzuki's rehab start.

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What they’re saying

“We're looking at probably three to seven days, somewhere in that range, for Suzuki's rehab before he's able to return to the Cubs.”

— Craig Counsell, Chicago Cubs Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Suzuki's return to the Cubs' lineup will be a crucial boost for the team as they look to build on their 2025 season and compete in the NL Central. The team's fans will be eager to see the Japanese star back in action after his successful debut season and the setback of the knee injury.