MLB all-time hits leader Pete Rose does not think Ichiro Suzuki will take the title for the most 200-hit seasons in major league history anytime soon.
"I don't think he's going to make it this year," said Rose. "He's put himself into a corner this year. He's just not hitting."
Rose, 70, spoke from Las Vegas via telephone to Kyodo News on Wednesday as he watched Ichiro and the Seattle Mariners take on the Cleveland Indians on television.
The former player and manager for the Cincinnati Reds commented on Ichiro's approach at the plate as the club's longtime leadoff hitter. He added the 37-year-old should not change his mechanics despite his uncharacteristically low batting average and hits total compared with previous seasons.
Ichiro has 146 hits after going 2-for-6 on Wednesday in a 9-2 victory over the Indians. With 38 games remaining in the season, he needs 54 more hits to achieve the feat.