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In "MLB: The Show," Anthony Rizzo throws a screwball, which will almost certainly never happen in a real game. (Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)

Anthony Rizzo added as relief pitcher to 'MLB: The Show'


by - Senior Writer -

Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo's recent success as a relief pitcher earned him a new role in a video game. Rizzo struck out Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman late in a blowout last month, with the viral moment coming in Rizzo's second career — and first since 2018 — pitching appearance.

In response, the developers of the popular baseball video game "MLB: The Show" created a card in the game depicting Rizzo as a reliever. This gives gamers the opportunity to use Rizzo as a pitcher in gameplay, in addition to continuing to use "Big Rizz" as a power-hitting first baseman. For what it is worth, Rizzo has a career ERA of 0.00, so he might not be too poor of an option out of the bullpen ... at least not in a video game, that is.

As for Rizzo's pitching intangibles, the "rater" for the video game was rather kind, providing Rizzo with an 80-mph fastball and a 68-mph curveball, both of which clearly exceeded the velocities reached by Rizzo against the Braves. "Rizzo, the Reliever" might make for a fun video game character, but Cubs manager David Ross definitely hopes he never has to send his star first baseman to the mound ever again.

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