Chicago Cubs injury news: Nico Hoerner offers Seiya Suzuki advice

Mesa, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs may be without Seiya Suzuki for some time because of an oblique injury, and teammate Nico Hoerner is doing everything he can to ensure the outfielder not only gets back on the field as quickly as possible, but also returns at his absolute best.

Chicago Cubs: Past oblique injury gives Nico Hoerner chance to share advice with Seiya Suzuki

An oblique strain on the right side shelved Hoerner for nearly two months of the 2021 campaign. Now, with Suzuki’s Opening Day “in jeopardy,” according to Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, because of what is being called a moderate left oblique strain, Hoerner is advising his teammate to “respect the injury” and take the time to heal.

“Swinging is a violent thing and something that’s hard to do when you’re anything less than 100 percent,” Hoerner said on Wednesday after the Cubs recorded a 6-1 spring training win over the Oakland A’s. “If your hamstring is a little tight, you can not run as hard to first. But you’re not saying, ‘I’m not going to swing as hard at this fastball.’ That’s tough to do.

“I just want him to know that he’s not letting anyone down if he’s not back by a certain date or anything like that. Just get himself totally right because he deserves that. He takes great care of himself. There is no lack of preparation or anything like that.”

Suzuki was scheduled to play with Team Japan as a part of the star-studded World Baseball Classic, but withdrew after suffering the oblique injury during batting practice over the weekend.

Once Suzuki returns to the Cubs lineup, with a date for that still up in the air, Hoerner believes Suzuki is in line for a solid campaign in his second year in Chicago.

“I’m really excited to see him play and I want him at his best,” Hoerner said. “I still expect him to have a great year and be himself.”