With a small number of games remaining in the MLB regular season, the Chicago Cubs are closing in on clinching a postseason berth.
It will be difficult for the Cubs to pass the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central lead, but Chicago still has a convincing nine-game lead in the Wild Card race.
Heading into their Wednesday matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cubs announced the return of a key bat after a concerning absence.
Cubs' Seiya Suzuki returns to lineup after illness
Just before their early game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Chicago Cubs announced that outfielder Seiya Suzuki has returned from his absence. He starts at right field and will bat fifth in Chicago's lineup today.
Suzuki, 31, missed the Cubs' last five games while recovering from a case of bronchitis. After participating in batting practice on Tuesday, Chicago determined that he's back to good health.
MORE: Cubs announce return of $9 million pitcher from injured list
In his fourth year in the MLB, Suzuki is having a career year with the Cubs. Through 140 appearances, he has career-highs in home runs (27) and RBI (91) while also having a .244 batting average, .324 on-base percentage, .461 slugging percentage, and a .785 OPS.
Chicago is seeking their fourth win in a row and seventh of their last eight in their matchup against the Pirates on Wednesday.
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