The Chicago Cubs have gotten red-hot at the right time, pulling ahead in the race for the second wild card and ever closer to the first wild card and to the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central race. But even as the Cubs won their fourth straight game Sunday, they got some bad news when star first baseman Anthony Rizzo left the game with a sprained ankle.
Rizzo will have an MRI to determine the severity of the damage, but he’s expected to miss several games. The Cubs are two games behind the Cardinals and one ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers for the final playoff spot. After a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, they play seven of their final 10 games against the Cardinals.
Oh no – Anthony Rizzo is down after injuring his ankle. pic.twitter.com/HAoB2oyavO
— Cubs Live (@Cubs_Live) September 15, 2019
A twist of fate
Rizzo, as he often does, charged hard when Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Trevor Williams bunted in the top of the third inning of Saturday’s game. His right foot caught in the turf as he reached for the ball and twisted as he fielded it.
Rizzo completed the play but teammate Jason Heyward and a trainer had to help him off the field.
Anthony Rizzo sprained his right ankle while trying to field a bunt.
X-rays were negative, but he’s scheduled for an MRI this morning.
Kris Bryant: “Anthony’s in good spirits. Hopefully we have him back soon. We’re going to need him.”https://t.co/jZV8ZG8H4F
— Chicago Tribune Sports (@ChicagoSports) September 16, 2019
Bad timing
The Cubs’ depth continue to be tested. They already are playing without infielders Javier Baez and Addison Russell; they called up minor league prospect Nico Hoerner to fill in at shortstop, and thus far he has performed admirably.
But Rizzo’s will be an even bigger hole. He is hitting .289 with 26 home runs and leads the team with 93 RBIs. Rizzo also is the unquestioned veteran team leader.
If the Cubs have to deal without him for an extended period, it could sink their playoff hopes. But if they can stay afloat until he returns, it’s another testament to their depth.
3 questions for the Cubs after a wild weekend sweep of the Pirates, including who steps up in Anthony Rizzo’s absence? https://t.co/PYVt2rIYi9
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) September 16, 2019
