Cubs' Suzuki Injures Knee in WBC Loss to Venezuela

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki exited Japan's World Baseball Classic quarterfinal loss to Venezuela on Saturday after injuring his right knee during a failed stolen base attempt in the first inning at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida.

Suzuki, starting in center field for the host team, drew a walk against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez with one out. With two outs and Kazuma Okamoto at the plate, he took off for second base and slid headfirst into the bag. The initial call from umpire Maikol Tibibijo ruled him safe, but a video review overturned it, ending the inning. As Suzuki rose slowly, he appeared to grab his knee and limped toward the dugout, accompanied by a team trainer. He had visible difficulty navigating the steps and did not return for the second inning.

Japan's medical staff removed Suzuki from the game, and he underwent evaluation for right knee discomfort, according to team officials. Shota Morishita replaced him in center field and quickly made an impact, hitting a tiebreaking three-run homer off Suarez in the bottom of the third inning to give Japan a 5-2 lead. Despite the rally, Venezuela advanced by defeating Japan in the matchup, eliminating...