When the lineup came out earlier today, I was sad to see the continued absence of first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
After playing in the cold, 15-inning game on Saturday, Rizzo was forced out of the lineup on Sunday with the sort of stiff/sore back issue that seems to creep up around this time just about every year. With that said, I was holding out hope that with a day off on Sunday and an off-day yesterday, he’d be feeling better and ready to go today, but alas … not yet.
Anthony Rizzo (back) hopes it will be "just a couple days" before returning to the Cubs lineup. In the meantime, Kris Bryant is starting at first base tonight in Cincinnati.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) May 14, 2019
Rizzo (back) hopeful to play in next couple days. Did not commit to Wednesday or anything. Sounds like a Thur/Fri thing??
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) May 14, 2019
Obviously, the Cubs lineup is capable of scoring runs without Rizzo, but there’s also no question that his continued absence will be felt … especially on a night like tonight against a righty like Tanner Roark, who’s been killing righties this season (.218 wOBA), but has otherwise been crushed by lefties (.438 wOBA).
And beyond tonight, well, like I said: this is something he’s dealt with in the past (many times, even), so you just hope it continues to be a two or three day thing and nothing more.