Anthony Rizzo is nearing the finish line.
The three-time All-Star has been hoping to get back into game action before the start of the season and he’ll get his wish. Manager David Ross announced Tuesday that he plans to have Rizzo in the starting lineup for Wednesday’s final exhibition game against the Twins.
“Again, I don’t put the cart before the horse. Make sure he presents well tomorrow when he wakes. He took some great swings and said he felt ready. Don’t think it’s going to be an issue for the game tomorrow. So the plan is to have him start at first base.”
Rizzo went through another full workout Tuesday, including infield drills and faced live pitching as he hit against right-hander Tyler Chatwood in a simulated game.
Getting into the team’s final exhibition is a big final step for Rizzo — who has been dealing with lower back tightness since July 7 — and should be the final hurdle before returning for Opening Day on Friday. The benefit the Cubs have this season is the addition of the designated hitter, allowing Rizzo to work his way back before playing the field every day.
“[We’ll] continue to listen to Anthony on that and how his body feels and the training staff with that,” Ross said. “You don’t wanna take a platinum glove, platinum glove off first base, but if we have to, he feels like he needs a day, we’ll adjust.”
Ross staying flexible with future unknowns
Ross is attempting to give his players a feel for what may lie ahead should they need some flexibility. The Cubs skipper started Kris Bryant at first base in Monday’s exhibition game against the White Sox, while Nico Hoerner — who began the night at second base, moved to shortstop and then to center field in the game.
“The main thing for me is with all the uncertainty with this season, we could lose anybody at any minute. You saw KB at first. Obviously, some depth there,” Ross said. “Moving guys around it’s going to be important. Nico is a piece that is comfortable at second, short and you know, just a little bit of a depth piece at center. If anything were to happen … moving some guys around.
“There’s no telling some days, you might lose a guy for an extended period of time or even just a day. We got to be prepared for anything this season. And like I said, we got a lot of flexibility in this roster and we got to take advantage of it.”
Quick hit
Right-hander Alec Mills will live batting practice on Wednesday. He was scheduled to be paired with Jon Lester in a tandem start in Wednesday’s game. Mills is in line to be the Cubs’ fifth starter this season.
Mills, 26, showed flashes during his short stint with the Cubs in 2019 going 1-0 with a 2.75 ERA over nine games (four starts). He would be in line to face the Reds next Tuesday.
