Cubs News: Rizzo sidelined for 4th straight game with back issues |
The Chicago Cubs will play a spring training game against the Texas Rangers at 1:05 pm CT on Sunday afternoon. However, Cubs star first baseman Anthony Rizzo will be missing his fourth straight game because of tightness in his lower back. He is listed day-to-day with the injury and the Cubs had expected him to be back on Saturday. Good job by the Cubs to take precautions on this injury so it doesn't become a lingering problem in the regular season.
Jeimer Candelario will take his place at first base. Rizzo batted .292 with 32 homers, 109 RBIs, and had an impressive .385 on-base percentage in 2016. Update: Rizzo said that he wanted to play but Cubs management wanted him to take another day off. He hopes to play against the Angels on Monday. Cubs batting lineup vs. Rangers 1. Javier Baez 2B 2. Albert Almora Jr. CF 3. Willson Contreras C 4. Addison Russell SS 5. Jeimer Candelario 1B 6. Matt Szczur RF 7. Tommy La Stella DH 8. Jacob Hannemann LF 9. Munenori Kawasaki 3B Starting Pitcher - Jon Lester Rangers batting lineup vs. Cubs 1. Gomez CF 2. Choo DH 3. Mazara RF 4. Napoli 1B 5. Odor 2B 6. Lucroy C 7. Rua LF 8. Middlebrooks 3B 9. Alberto SS
