Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Cubs OF Seiya Suzuki exits game vs. Reds with finger sprain

Seiya Suzuki's contract with the Chicago Cubs is still in its infancy stages, but the early returns on the former Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league star have been impressive.

Suzuki -- who agreed to a five-year, $85 million deal with the Cubs in March -- has recorded four home runs, 21 RBIs, 20 runs scored and 12 doubles thus far while posting a .241/.342/.431 slash line in 137 at-bats through 40 games. The 27-year-old was the NL Player of the Week for April 11-17 and was named the NL Rookie of the Month for April.

Chicago's starting right fielder departed Thursday afternoon's contest against the Cincinnati Reds with an injury though, and now all fans can do is hold their breath.

In 2021 with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, Suzuki had 38 home runs, 88 RBIs and just one fewer walk than strikeouts (88 and 89, respectively). Suzuki is a four-time NPB All-Star, five-time winner of the NPB Best Nine Award and earned three Mitsui Gold Glove awards as well.

The Cubs entered Thursday tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates for third place in the NL Central at 18-25.

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