Team Japan lost a key member at the top of its order early in Saturday's quarterfinal against Venezuela.
Outfielder Seiya Suzuki was forced to exit the game in the first inning after appearing to suffer a lower-body injury while trying to steal second.
The team later said he left with a right knee contusion.
Suzuki was initially called safe by the second-base umpire, but was ruled out after review. He had a noticeable limp while walking to the dugout with a team trainer.
He had reached after walking against Venezuelan starter Ranger Suárez.
Shota Morishita took Suzuki's place in centre field.
Suzuki has been one of Japan's most productive hitters in this World Baseball Classic. During the pool stage, he slashed .333/.600/1.000 with two home runs and six walks.
The 31-year-old's status going forward will be of immense interest to the Chicago Cubs, with whom Suzuki has played the last four MLB seasons.
Suzuki delivered his best campaign with the Cubs in 2025, smashing 32 homers, driving in 103 runs and carrying a .804 OPS.
