Anthony Rizzo’s back issues have forced the Cubs to place him on the 10-day DL, as Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Tribune tweeted and has since been announced. But it seems there’s little reason to anticipate a lengthy absence for the first baseman, who nearly avoided a stint on the shelf altogether. The move was backdated to Friday the 6th, so Rizzo — who has averaged 154 games annually since the start of the 2013 season — is already less than a week away from being eligible to be reactivated.
Here’s more on the injury front from around the game:
- Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier has avoided significant damage to his foot, as Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. He has spent some time in a walking boot while the swelling goes down after ending up on the receiving end of a foul ball, but has been cleared of any broken bones. Indeed, Kiermaier now says he’s preparing to work out today with hopes of getting back in game action as soon as tomorrow, as Topkin adds on Twitter.
- Likewise, the Mariners are seeing positive signs from a variety of key players, as Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports (Twitter links). DH Nelson Cruz, catcher, Mike Zunino, and outfielder Ben Gamel could also be on the active roster by the end of the coming weekend, with the former seemingly furthest along. That’s certainly good news for the M’s, who have watched the division-rival Astros and Angels set a fast pace to open the new season.
- Likewise, the Nationals are nearing the activation of catcher Matt Wieters, as Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com reports. The veteran will take at least a brief rehab assignment but will likely be ready to go shortly thereafter. With Pedro Severino showing well in the chances he has received early on, it’s quite possible he’ll remain on the roster even when Wieters is back. Skipper Dave Martinez says “there’s a good possibility we keep three catchers” for a stretch, with Miguel Montero rounding out the anticipated trio.
- The needle has moved in the other direction for Diamondbacks outfielder Steven Souza. As Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports, an MRI showed fluid in the region of Souza’s pec injury, so he’ll require a few more days of rest. It had been anticipated that he could be ready to be activated by the end of the week. A new timeline isn’t really yet evident, but clearly the Snakes will have to wait a bit longer for their primary offseason trade acquisition.
- The Rangers announced that second baseman Rougned Odor left his club’s game today with a left hamstring strain. We’re still awaiting word on a full assessment, but it certainly seems as if the organization is anticipating a DL stint. Likewise, Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales has received a diagnosis of a grade 1 hammy strain, per a club announcement. That said, skipper John Gibbons struck an optimistic tone after the game, as Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports (Twitter link). Cardinals first baseman Jose Martinez also had to depart after a collision with Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain. While it seems the latter will be just fine, the former has been diagnosed with a right Achilles tendon contusion, per the club. Hopefully, that ends up representing the extent of the injury.
Cubs should use this opportunity to try Schwarber at first. Could increase his trade value.
Too late. They are calling up Effran “surprise MVP candidate” Navarro
too late to put someone in a line up or change position??? no, definitely not.
yep, no backsies LOL
Nobody wants your historically bad defensive non prospect. He’s a DH that can’t hit. He’s the kind of player that would make me yearn for the replacement level Matt Adams. Seriously not just trolling here. Why do Cubs fans still cling to the idea that he’ll bring back anything of value without being a cheap throw in.
I think Zobrist will get most of the time at 1B assuming Rizzo’s dL stay will be minimal.
What else does the front office have to say to get people to understand they have no intention of trading Schwarber?
Because no one in their right mind would give up anything of value for him. That makes it difficult to drum up interest for sure.
Unless Schwarber learns how to be a better than average pitcher or defensive catcher/shortstop/center fielder, all of his trade value (minimal right now) will come from his bat – no position will affect that.
Too bad that bat sucks too!
That makes a lot of sense, but the organization is bound and determined that Schwarber will morph into an elite fielder in LF come hell or high water.
A double from the leadoff man to start the game and what does Odor do? Try for a bunt basehit. He was also doubled up a few games ago on a popup while he was trying to steal.. Its 2018 and this guy still doesnt have a brain.
Odor is a moron, but he couldn’t do anything about the double play. Every player in the league would’ve been toast if they were in that situation.
Why don’t you get yourselves out there and see how you fare? That’d be a great laugh!
Good one
If the default is “well, he’s a better player than me, ” then, yes, I lose that argument as. I’ve not played since high school. But if the argument is “how is Odor compared to his exclusive cohort of other major-league baseball players?” the answer is “dreadful.” His defense is awful and his OBP in 2017 was 252.
Looks like all the steroids are catching up with someone on the south side. The injuries will keep coming in the months ahead.
The southside of what?
I need Nelson Cruz to be activated. I need help in fantasy, and having his bat back would be really good.
No kidding man! I’ve got Cruz and Zunino. I also purposely picked up Daniel Murphy in the 10th round for a value pick. Hate that ESPN fantasy teams only allow 1 DL compared to 2 in my Yahoo League. Hopefully Cruz comes off tonight!!! Plz!!
Shouldn’t Kiermaier’s vaseline layer have protected him?
Did Odor initially tweak his hamstring mocking Marcus Stroman? Asking for the underweight gentleman that dresses and choreographs Stroman’s celebrations.
No one calls the Dbacks snakes