Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki exited Saturday's game against the San Francisco Giants in the fourth inning after sustaining an apparent injury while attempting a running catch.
The injury occurred during a single by Matt Chapman, forcing Suzuki to leave the field with the training staff.
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Matt Shaw replaced him in right field.
Before his departure, Suzuki went 1-for-2 with an RBI single and a walk.
Trade Rumors Intensify
The incident coincides with mounting trade speculation surrounding the 31-year-old outfielder, who has a career . 812 OPS but struggled significantly through May.
Senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently suggested the Cubs explore trading Suzuki to address their urgent need for starting pitching before he potentially departs as a free agent.
“The Cubs could use a jolt. They need to extract value from at least one of their potential free agents.
And in a sport increasingly lacking in potent right-handed hitters, Suzuki figures to be in demand,” Rosenthal wrote.
Rosenthal noted that a trade could yield significantly higher value than the draft pick compensation the Cubs would receive if Suzuki leaves via free agency.
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“Perhaps Suzuki could bring back a starting pitcher who also is a potential free agent, helping the club fill a more dire need.
If the Cubs keep Suzuki and he departs as a free agent, they would receive only a draft pick as compensation, assuming they made him a qualifying offer.
