Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki will miss the start of the season after suffering a knee injury during the World Baseball Classic. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed Monday that the 31-year-old right fielder will open on the injured list following a minor ligament strain in his right knee.

Suzuki sustained the injury during Japan's quarterfinal loss to Venezuela on March 14, when he slid headfirst into second base and was caught stealing. He left the game after that inning and has been sidelined since. The veteran outfielder returned to the Cubs' spring training facility Monday wearing a soft brace and underwent imaging to assess the damage.

The injury is a blow to Chicago's lineup, as Suzuki is entering the final year of his $85 million, five-year contract. Last season, he led the team with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs, posting a .269 batting average with 87 career home runs in 532 games for the Cubs.