Cubs dismiss Japanese star Seiya Suzuki’s interpreter
The Cubs quietly swung the door open following the MLB All-Star break with an organizational change.
After two and a half years, Seiya Suzuki’s Japanese interpreter, Toy Matsushita, was dismissed by the organization, The Athletic reported Thursday.
The change in the interpreter decision comes months after a scandal involving Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s now-former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who was fired by the team after allegations came to light that he stole money from the two-time MVP to cover gambling losses.
Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud in June and faces up to 30 years in prison.
A source told the outlet that Cubs decided to go in a new direction with the voice that serves Suzuki.
For the time being, two other staff members will have step up to the plate.
Nao Masamoto, who spearheads their Pacific Rim operations alongside the major-league video system, will continue to work with the outfielder.
Edwin Stanberry — All-Star pitcher Shota Imanaga’s interpreter — will also work with Suzuki.
The two will be tasked with relaying front-office messages along with translating interviews, according to The Athletic.
Since signing in 2022 on a five-year, $85 million contract, Suzuki has battled seven injuries, appearing in 321 of a possible 422 games.
Despite the spate of injuries, he is coming off a red-hot couple of weeks leading into the All-Star break.
In 13 July games, he’s held a .321 batting average with a .942 OPS, significantly higher than his career OPS (.811).
Through 72 games overall this season, he has hit .270 with 13 home runs and 45 RBIs.
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