The Cubs made some organizational changes after the MLB All-Star break and quietly opened the doors.
Two and a half years later, Toyi Matsushita, Seiya Suzuki’s Japanese interpreter, was fired by the organization. The Athletic reported Thursday..
The change in interpreter decision came months after a scandal involving Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who was fired by the team after allegations emerged that he embezzled money from the two-time MVP to cover gambling losses.
Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion in June and faces up to 30 years in prison.
A source told the outlet that the Cubs decided to move in a new direction with Suzuki’s voice in mind.
Two other staff members will be assuming their roles for the time being.
Hisashi Masamoto, who spearheads the Pacific Rim business alongside Major League Baseball’s video system, will continue to work with the outfielder.
Edwin Stanberry, who serves as the interpreter for All-Star pitcher Shota Imanaga, will also work with Suzuki.
According to The Athletic, the two will be responsible for delivering messages from the front office and translating interviews.
Since signing a five-year, $85 million contract through 2022, Suzuki has played in 321 of 422 total games while battling seven injuries.
Despite a string of injuries, he has been performing at his best in the weeks leading up to the All-Star break.
In 13 games in July, he’s batting .321 with a .942 OPS, significantly higher than his career OPS (.811).
This season, he has played in a total of 72 games, recording a batting average of .270, 13 home runs, and 45 RBIs.
