For the Cubs, Suzuki's return from the injured record and to the lineup was the extra impactful storyline. In an 8-2 win over the Dodgers, Suzuki confirmed why with a towering homer -- a part of back-to-back blasts with Ian Happ -- within the eighth inning.

"It's exciting. It was cool to see his name in the lineup," Bellinger stated. "I think that brings a whole different dynamic to this lineup."

Suzuki's presence as an influence risk with plus contact capability within the cleanup spot offers Chicago's offense one other layer. He additionally offers the Cubs a constant entrance 4 with Nico Hoerner main off, Dansby Swanson subsequent and Happ following within the third slot.

Cubs supervisor David Ross is not going to solely have the ability to pencil that foursome in on a nightly foundation, however maybe for the foreseeable future. When Happ signed a three-year extension on Wednesday, it locked him in with Hoerner, Swanson and Suzuki by means of at the very least the 2026 season.

"Our ultimate goal is to win the championship," Suzuki stated by way of his interpreter, Toy Matsushita, earlier than Friday's win. "And I think we have all the pieces to do that. I want to be a good piece in that plan and make sure we win a lot of games."

Content Source: www.mlb.com