Seiya Suzuki has had an impressive start for the Chicago Cubs through the first four games of the 2022 season. Many did not know what to expect from the Cubs’ new right fielder going into the year as there were question marks surrounding his ability to transition from playing professionally in Japan to Major League Baseball.
Now, almost a week into the season, Suzuki is doing just fine with the adjustment.
Although Suzuki’s numbers in MLB are of a limited sample, they are nothing short of impressive. Every game has seen Suzuki batting in the 5th or 6th spot in the order, but his production should be enough for Cubs’ manager to bump him up in the lineup. Suzuki has already racked up 8 RBIs which is tied for 2nd in the league. His 7th and 8th RBIs were the difference in the Cubs’ 2-1 win over the Pirates on Tuesday.
.@suzuki_seiya_sb has his first two-homer game! pic.twitter.com/NXSQAX3S2V
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 12, 2022
It has yet to be seen if Suzuki can maintain these impressive numbers, but this quote from Suzuki after facing the reigning NL Cy Young winner, Corbin Burnes, should bring fans comfort.
Seiya Suzuki saw 19 pitches in his 4 PAs today. Said Burnes' cutter was "stuff that I've never seen before."
Was most satisfied with his two walks."
"I was able to be myself. So I just enjoyed the game today," he said via interpreter Toy Matsushita. pic.twitter.com/o0nJli3v1j
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) April 7, 2022
From what we’ve seen so far, there’s no reason that Suzuki shouldn’t be top 3 in the Cubs’ batting order. David Ross returns to the team on Wednesday after serving a one-game suspension. Cubs fans would be pleased to see him place Seiya Suzuki towards the top of the lineup. Seiya Suzuki and the Cubs will look to build upon their 3-1 start on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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