Cubs nightmare scenario unfolding after Seiya Suzuki World Baseball Classic injury

While the ascension of Pete Crow-Armstrong with Team USA is a reminder of the benefit to the World Baseball Classic, the Chicago Cubs were reminded of the nightmare scenario on Saturday. During Japan's quarterfinal game against Venezuela on Saturday night, Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki was removed from the game after sliding headfirst into second base on a steal attempt.

Suzuki was thrown out to end the first inning, but the attention immediately shifted to his health. The 31-year-old was seen walking gingerly off the field with the help of a trainer and didn't return to the game.

The hope is that it was just an awkward slide for Suzuki and Japan is being overly cautious. That being said, it wasn't the most encouraging image to see the veteran outfielder need assistance in getting off the field.

Seiya Suzuki's World Baseball Classic injury could create a nightmare scenario for the Cubs.

While there may be an initial update provided during the game, it would seem that the details of actual injury may not be known until after the game, assuming that Suzuki is undergoing further medical evaluations.

After letting Kyle Tucker walk via free agency and trading top prospect Owen Caissie to the Miami Marlins as part of the Edward Cabrera trade, Suzuki was expected to be a key figure in the Cubs' starting lineup. Beyond that, Suzuki was expected to be the Cubs' primary right fielder at the start of the season.

Hitting 32 home runs last year and showing an early power display during the World Baseball Classic, Suzuki was beginning to tap into the power potential the Cubs believe he had when he first made the jump from Japan. While Jed Hoyer and Co. would never admit this publicly, Suzuki's power emergence over the last year was likely at the center of their comfort in dealing Caissie away.

If Suzuki's injury is serious enough to the point where he isn't ready in time for Opening Day, chances are Craig Counsell would resort to a right field by committee. The expectation should be for Matt Shaw and Dylan Carlson to get the majority of the starts in right field, though Michael Conforto could also be an option.

An IL stint for Suzuki also may create an opening for Chas McCormick to stick around beyond spring training. Before the injury, the former Houston Astros outfielder was looking like the odd man out.