Kurt Suzuki is a professional baseball player who has been in the league for over a decade. He has played for several teams, including the Oakland Athletics, Washington Nationals, and Minnesota Twins.
Recently, Suzuki made headlines when he was placed on the COVID-19 injured list, which meant he had to sit out for two weeks.
This blog post will provide an overview of what happened to Kurt Suzuki, including how he ended up on the COVID-19 injured list and what his return to the Angels means for the team.
We’ll also take a look at Suzuki’s performance so far this season and consider what the future may hold for him and the Angels.
What Happened to Kurt Suzuki?
Kurt Suzuki was placed on the COVID-19 injured list on April 12, 2023. The reason for his placement on the list was not specified, but it is likely that he either tested positive for COVID-19 or was in close contact with someone who did.
Under the league’s COVID-19 protocols, players who test positive or come into close contact with someone who does are required to quarantine for at least 10 days.
Suzuki remained on the injured list for two weeks, during which time he was unable to participate in team activities or games. Being on the injured list can have a significant impact on a player’s performance and can also affect team dynamics.
However, Suzuki was activated off the COVID-19 injured list on April 29, 2023, which means he has been cleared to resume playing for the Angels.
Suzuki’s Return to the Angels
Kurt Suzuki was activated off the COVID-19 injured list on April 29, 2023, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic. It is not clear whether he needed to undergo any additional testing or quarantine periods before being cleared to play.
Despite missing two weeks due to his placement on the injured list, Suzuki did not require a rehab assignment before returning to the Angels. This suggests that he was able to stay in shape and maintain his skills during his absence.
With Max Stassi still on a rehab assignment due to illness, Suzuki will serve as the Angels’ No. 1 catcher for the time being. This is a critical role, as the catcher is responsible for calling pitches, managing the team’s defense, and contributing to the offense.
While Suzuki is not a young player, he has a lot of experience and has been an effective player throughout his career. His return to the lineup should provide a boost to the Angels as they work to improve their record this season.
What This Means for the Angels
Kurt Suzuki’s return to the Angels provides a boost to the team’s lineup and defense. As the No. 1 catcher, Suzuki will be responsible for calling pitches, managing the team’s defense, and contributing to the offense. His experience and skill set make him a valuable asset to the team.
In terms of his performance so far this season, Suzuki has been hitting .278 with one home run and five RBI in 36 at-bats.
While these numbers are not particularly impressive, they suggest that he is capable of contributing to the team’s offense. More importantly, Suzuki is known for his defense and ability to handle pitchers, which can be critical to a team’s success.
Suzuki’s absence from the team for two weeks may have had an impact on the team’s dynamics and performance. Without their No. 1 catcher, the Angels may have struggled to find a replacement who could fill his shoes.
Additionally, Suzuki’s experience and leadership on the field may have been missed. However, the team managed to go 7-6 during the time that Suzuki was on the COVID-19 injured list, suggesting that they were able to adapt without him.
Overall, Suzuki’s return to the Angels provides a much-needed boost to the team’s lineup and defense. His experience and skill set make him a valuable asset, and his presence on the field should help the team to continue to improve their record this season.
Kurt Suzuki 2023 Season Statistics
| Player Name | Kurt Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Position | Catcher |
| Team | Los Angeles Angels |
| Games Played | 13 |
| At-Bats | 36 |
| Hits | 10 |
| Batting Average | .278 |
| Home Runs | 1 |
| Runs Batted In | 5 |
| On-Base Percentage | .316 |
| Slugging Percentage | .417 |
| Wins Above Replacement (WAR) | 0.2 |
FAQs
How long can a player stay on the COVID-19 injured list?
Under MLB’s COVID-19 protocols, a player who tests positive for COVID-19 must remain on the injured list for a minimum of 10 days. However, if a player is symptomatic or has severe illness, they may be required to remain on the injured list for a longer period of time.
Has Kurt Suzuki had any other injuries or health issues in the past?
Suzuki has had various injuries throughout his career, including concussions and back issues. However, he has been relatively healthy in recent years and has not had any major health issues since 2019.
How long has Kurt Suzuki been playing in the MLB?
Suzuki has been playing in the MLB since 2007, when he made his debut with the Oakland Athletics. Since then, he has played for several other teams, including the Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves, and Los Angeles Angels.
What is Kurt Suzuki’s role on the Angels besides being the No. 1 catcher?
In addition to his role as the team’s starting catcher, Suzuki is also known for his veteran leadership and experience. He has been a mentor to younger players on the team and has been praised for his work with the Angels’ pitching staff.
How has the Angels’ season been going so far?
As of April 30, 2023, the Angels have a record of 15-13 and are currently in second place in the American League West division. While the team has had some ups and downs so far this season, they have shown signs of improvement and are hoping to continue to build momentum as the season progresses.
Conclusion
Kurt Suzuki’s placement on the COVID-19 injured list and subsequent return to the Angels have been significant events for both the player and the team.
Despite missing two weeks due to his placement on the injured list, Suzuki was able to return to the Angels without requiring a rehab assignment.
His presence as the team’s No. 1 catcher provides a boost to the team’s lineup and defense, and his experience and skill set make him a valuable asset to the team.
While Suzuki’s absence may have had an impact on the team’s dynamics and performance, the team managed to adapt and continue to win games.
As the season progresses, Suzuki’s performance and leadership on the field will be critical to the Angels’ success.
