Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is battling an injury that could jeopardize his chances of being in the team’s lineup on Opening Day, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. Rizzo underwent an MRI on Wednesday that confirmed rib head swelling on his left side. He’s dealing with back spasms as a result of the swelling.
Rizzo, whose back has troubled him in the past, noted it’s a “frustrating” problem, adding, “I just can’t control the flare ups.” However, that doesn’t mean the 30-year-old will start the season on the injured list. Rizzo, manager David Ross and the Cubs’ training staff will continue to monitor his status leading up to the team’s July 24 opener.
Of course, in a shortened season, it becomes even more important for the Cubs to have a healthy Rizzo helping lead their offense. The three-time All-Star and beloved clubhouse presence turned in yet another impressive season in 2019, batting .293/.405/.520 (141 wRC+) with 27 home runs in 613 plate appearances. That type of production obviously can’t be replaced with ease, but if Rizzo does miss time at the beginning of the season, odds are the Cubs will deploy third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant and catcher Victor Caratini at first base, Gonzales suggests.
I had Ribs for lunch.
Rib tips or rib heads?
They were flame-broiled.
Well, crap….
rough break for him. very good player that i think has become overshadowed by the flashier stars on the Cubs.
Best overall player on the team
We need him badly
Yep! Rizzo is the heart of the team, you know what he is going to give you every year. GG defense and puts up a .900 OPS in his sleep. He makes everybody around him better.
Now if Happ and Schwarber can prove their 2nd half’s last year were breakouts and not flukes, the Cubs offense could be very scary and could make up for their average to below average pitching.
Very consistent and reliable player. Clubhouse leader. Seems to be a solid guy from a solid family. I wish him well.
I initially read “Anthony Rendon”
I’m pretty much scarred for life thanks to our recent big money signings.
Rizzo’s next contract is a tough call for the cubs organisation, such a valuable player with leadership but he will go downhill as he will go on in his 30’s. Is it between him and Bryant ?
I think it’s more likely Bryant vs Baez and Rizzo will get extended to be a Cubs lifer.
Bryant also has recently come out saying he is more open now to an extension given the pandemic and securing his future. So he may be a bit more easy to extend now than he was pre-COVID.
I think you’re right. They’ll re-sign him. There’s also no reason to believe that his performance will suffer any time soon. Honestly, you can’t measure the value of a guy like that. His consistency on and off the field are what every team wants from a veteran. His history with Theo/Jedd, who first drafted him, surviving cancer, leading the team to the WS; Remarkable..