CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have parted ways with Japanese interpreter Toy Matsushita, who had been assisting outfielder Seiya Suzuki since his arrival in 2022. The decision, announced before Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, was made as the team believes they have developed a sufficient support system for Suzuki.
Chicago manager Craig Counsell stated that the change is not related to Suzuki’s performance, and that the team’s support for Suzuki will remain strong with new staff members Nao Masamoto and Edwin Stanberry stepping in.
Matsushita’s departure follows a recent high-profile case where former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara was convicted of bank and tax fraud for embezzling nearly $17 million from Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.