In extremely relieving news for the playoff-contending Cubs, star first baseman Anthony Rizzo is already returning from an injury that looked as if it would prematurely end his regular season. Rizzo’s leading off for the Cubs on Thursday in their crucial matchup against the NL Central-leading Cardinals, Chicago announced. The Cubs also activated shortstop Addison Russell from the seven-day concussion injured list, as Jordan Bastian of MLB.com was among those to report.
Rizzo, who hasn’t played since Sept. 15, is back from an ankle sprain that initially limited him to a walking boot. The fact that he’s back this soon is an enormous boon for the Cubs, who will fall a half-game behind the Brewers for the wild card if Milwaukee hangs on to the late-game lead it boasts over the Padres as of this writing.
Overtaking the Brew Crew (or the Cardinals, who lead the Cubs by three games) obviously would have been all the more difficult without the accomplished Rizzo, who has posted yet another impressive campaign in 2019. The 30-year-old has slashed .289/.404/.516 with 26 home runs in 592 plate appearances. The Cubs used catchers Willson Contreras and Victor Caratini at first base during Rizzo’s absence, but they’re now back to full strength at the position as the regular season nears a conclusion.
Russell hasn’t played since Sept. 8, and injuries to him and standout shortstop Javier Baez led the Cubs to promote high-end prospect Nico Hoerner from the minors. The 22-year-old Hoerner has more than held his own since his debut, and he – not Russell – will man short on Thursday as a result. Russell, 25, was amid yet another subpar season at the plate before his IL placement, and between that and his off-field issues, his Cubs tenure may be winding down.
Oh gee! We can comment here? Anyone got anything to say about German?
Don’t ruin it, man!
That’s why they won’t allow comments, cause some of you guys are immature
No one said anything immature. Just wanted comments on him since it’s been determined that you can’t on the sight of the original story.
They make fine luxury cars.
I’m about 15 percent German on my dads side
they love daivd hasselhoff?
I love Rizzo but returning from a sprained ankle in only 4 days? I think that’s too soon.
I agree Terry…honestly they might be making it worse…instead of being healthy for the final series against the cardinals he is going to risk injuring it further…I never believed he was going to be out for the season but this is to soon
That series may not even matter to the Cubs
When Rizzo got on they should have put a pitch runner in for him & the Cubs would have scored another run. They would have been tied & had to play extra innings. What a stupid mistake.
I’ve got a German car. It’s an 89 Benz. Kinda beat up though.
Yikes
Glad to see Addy at least available. I told you Little Jack Horner numbers would slowly fall. Last 2 games o-fer. Not good under pressure . Hope they let you play Addy. If not and they lose again they can’t blame it on you anymore no more scapegoat. Look in the mirror guys. Good Luck Addy wherever life leads you.
I agree. I have always been a fan of Addy. Yeah he messed up but he has owned his actions & is trying to be a better person. But Chicago fans won’t move on & give him a 2nd chance. If you get to play Addy show them how good you are. Stay positive & good luck in what ever happens in MLB.
Trade Russell to a team in need of a SS.. think DET and maybe you can land a starter like Norris in a change of scenery type trade. I would allow Rizzo to be available in a trade for a legit SP and move Schwarber to 1B.