Craig Counsell maps out Seiya Suzuki’s return via Double-A rehab stint

The Craig Counsell era in the Chicago Cubs has been met with sky-high expectations, but a lukewarm 2-3 start has the North Side faithful looking toward the injured list for a spark. That spark appears to be imminent, as star outfielder Seiya Suzuki is nearing a return to the lineup.

Suzuki received a green light in his recovery this week and is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Tennessee on Friday. According to Taylor McGregor, Counsell indicated that the Japanese standout could rejoin the big-league club in as little as three to seven days.

The return of a foundational pillar like Suzuki provides a much-needed boost to a Cubs offense that has struggled to find its rhythm. While top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong has flashed potential after being extended by the Cubs, getting Suzuki’s veteran bat back into the heart of the order is a top priority for a team looking to climb above .500.

Tracking Suzuki’s injury

Suzuki’s stint on the shelf dates back to March, when he suffered a right knee PCL sprain while representing Team Japan in a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal matchup against Venezuela.

The Cubs’ medical staff opted for a cautious approach, placing him on the 10-day Injured List. While the sprain wasn’t considered severe, the team prioritized rest and localized strengthening to ensure the outfielder would be at 100% for the long haul of the 162-game season.

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Bridging the gap

In Suzuki’s absence, Michael Conforto has been tasked with anchoring the vacancy in the outfield. While Conforto hasn’t quite found his power stroke early on, his plate discipline has remained a bright spot; he currently sports an on-base percentage (OBP) hovering around .330.

Here is a look at how Comforto has fared through the first five games of the season: