Anthony Rizzo is able for Opening Day on Friday. On Sunday, he took crucial step towards a go back to the Cubs’ lineup.
Rizzo went thru a complete exercise ahead of the Cubs’ exhibition towards the White Sox with none restrictions or setbacks. He has been sidelined via lower-back tightness since July 7.
“Today, I knew going in that it was going to be a big day,’’ Rizzo said. ‘‘Pushed it a little yesterday, but today I really pushed it. Feels great. I was hitting today with really no pain at all, which is good.”
The giant take a look at for Rizzo and the Cubs can be how his again responds to his greater workload on Monday. Rizzo says the plan is to have an lively restoration day and review from there.
The Cubs should organize how they retain Rizzo’s again beneath regulate right through the shortened 2020 season to have him for the lengthy haul. If Rizzo is not able to begin the season on Day 1, Victor Caratini, who began in the beginning base Sunday, would most probably see numerous time there.
But along with his again problems changing into a typical factor over the previous few seasons, Rizzo is aware of he and the staff wish to play it protected, particularly after tense the again closing week.
“Missing [games] is a lot smarter than potentially putting yourself at risk to miss a big chunk,’’ he said. ‘‘A big chunk is 10 games or two weeks this year. Opening Day does mean a lot to me, to be the Opening Day starter for the Chicago Cubs, and that’s the goal. With how I felt today and how I was moving today, it’s definitely in the right direction toward being a reality.”
The Cubs have two extra exhibitions — on Monday towards the Sox and Wednesday towards the Twins. Rizzo continues to be maintaining out hope that he can play Wednesday ahead of the opener.
“I’d definitely love to play Wednesday to get live at-bats off a different team,” Rizzo stated. “Just gotta keep it day-to-day. I’m very optimistic that I’ll be in there. . . . That’s definitely a short-term goal.”
Hendricks lets in 3 runs
Right-hander Kyle Hendricks tossed 4⅔ innings towards the Sox in his ultimate day out ahead of the season opener Friday towards the Brewers.
He was once named the Cubs’ Opening Day starter via supervisor David Ross on Friday.
Hendricks, who allowed 3 earned runs and 6 hits, walked one and struck out two, have shyed away from loud touch many of the evening and didn’t run into bother till the 5th inning, when he allowed 3 hits, together with Adam Engel’s solo house run.