Joe Maddon was compelled to maintain Anthony Rizzo out of Sunday’s beginning lineup. Meanwhile, a extra deliberate time without work may very well be coming quickly for Javier Baez.
After his again tightened up throughout Saturday’s 15-inning marathon, Rizzo was held out to start the collection finale with Milwaukee. Rizzo, who saved making an attempt to stretch his again Saturday, was accessible to pinch-hit and the Cubs had been planning to see how the primary baseman feels after Monday’s off day.
On Sunday morning, Rizzo texted Maddon to inform him concerning the concern. Following a telephone name with Maddon, Rizzo went to Wrigley to attempt to loosen up, however his again didn’t reply nicely sufficient to be within the lineup.
“Been there, done that before. It’s not like it’s a surprise to anybody,” Maddon mentioned. “The first time it’s a little bit more stressful, thinking that it might be something more serious.”
The Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo rounds the bases after hitting a two-run house run throughout the fifth inning of a baseball recreation towards the Miami Marlins, Thursday, May 9, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
As for Baez, the Cubs’ star shortstop has performed in all 38 video games however he is perhaps getting a breather comparatively quickly. Maddon mentioned he’s “trying to work on that right now,” no matter Rizzo.
“It’s one of those things you’ve got to do regardless,” Maddon mentioned. “A day off, I’m looking at some different things on the back side of the day off right now.”
With Rizzo out, Kris Bryant began at first base.
Descalso begins
Making his first begin since May 4, Daniel Descalso hit seventh and performed at second base. Descalso had a minor left-ankle concern however was not added to the injured listing.
Since that final begin, Descalso had been hitless in his earlier six video games earlier than Sunday.
“He’s hit some balls decently as a pinch-hitter, but more than anything I just wanted to bring him back slowly,” Maddon mentioned. “I do like him there. That seven-hole has a tendency to get people on base. He’s been doing a great job there, too.”
Edwards getting again
Since his May 6 recall, Carl Edwards Jr. has thrown three scoreless innings. Maddon mentioned he’s seeing Edwards throw with a extra repeatable supply.
“He’s not worried about trying to be so deceptive. He’s being a little more natural,” Maddon mentioned. “Just being Carl. Not trying to do all those little different histrionic things with his foot. Just pitching.”
He’s additionally not “trying to be so fine either side,” which is ok with Maddon.
“He’ll know when he’s able to dot it up, but if you’re trying to dot it up and you’re not really there, don’t try that,” Maddon mentioned. “I’d much prefer him just attack in strike mode with his stuff, as opposed to try to be this finely tuned guy that’s always nibbling at corners. That’s not who he is.”
Russell’s progress
Addison Russell didn’t begin and entered Sunday 1 for eight since rejoining the Cubs. Maddon mentioned he’s seen some “really good passes” from Russell, however the timing isn’t fairly proper and desires extra at-bats. Defensively, Maddon mentioned he’s up to the mark.