There’s always some concern when first baseman Anthony Rizzo has an issue with his back with his history of those injuries. But it sounds like, the Cubs have avoided anything serious.
Rizzo left the fifth inning of the Cubs’ 6-3 win on Tuesday with lower back tightness and was out of the starting lineup on Wednesday as he continued to get treatment on his back. Kris Bryant made the start at first base in his place.
“He’s day-to-day,” manager David Ross said. “He came in to see the trainers. I think it just makes sense to just make sure everything’s fine. He’ll get his treatment and kind of start moving around, go through his whole routine, and we’ll keep tabs on that and make sure he’s progressing in the right way. But I think he feels okay.”
Cubs select Higgins from Iowa, Wolters designated for assignment
The Cubs selected the contract of catcher P.J. Higgins before Wednesday’s game against the Nationals. Catcher Tony Wolters was designated for assignment to make room on the active and 40-man roster for Higgins. Wolters hit .125 in 15 games with the Cubs.
It’s the first time in the big leagues for Higgins, who made a strong impression on the Cubs during spring training with both his improvements at the plate, the ability to handle a pitching staff and game-calling. The 28-year-old backstop was in consideration to break camp with the team before the beginning of the season.
“I think [Higgins], with some of the things we have going on, just gives us a little more versatility from the backup catcher role,” Ross said. “He’s played some middle infield and and his did a nice job catching. He’s very versatile. You know, contact type bat. I think it’s just time. We’ve liked him for a long time and his skill set really fits us right now.
Besides his catching skills, Higgins is regarded as one of the organization’s best defensive third baseman. With Bryant continuing to move around the field defensively, having another player capable of handling multiple positions gives Higgins some additional value.
“He’s a phenomenal third baseman,” Ross said. “They rave about his defense in the infield. I think he’s a really good catcher. I like the way he handled the pitching staff and the game-calling and the preparation at the backend of spring training.
“I’m happy for him. I think he’s put in a lot of hard work. He’s a guy that the organization thinks highly of. When you talk to the coaches that have seen this young man come up through the minor leagues, it’s nothing but positive statements about who he is, how he plays and how he goes about his business.
