Aug. 04--Monday night's game between the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park was delayed by rain in the bottom of the second inning.
After a shower postponed pre-game batting practice, rain returned and stopped play before Cubs ace Jon Lester threw a 3-2 pitch to Francisco Cervelli with two out of a scoreless game.
Anthony Rizzo hit a single off left-hander Francisco Liriano to start the second for the Cubs' lone hit. Aramis Ramirez hit a single off Lester to start the bottom of the second but was picked off first base by catcher David Ross.
Meanwhile, rookie third baseman Kris Bryant was cleared to start after feeling "weak" after injuring his head on a head first slide Sunday at Milwaukee.
Bryant passed a series of tests Monday and said he no longer will slide head first in an effort to avoid a more serious injury.
Before the game, the Cubs designated left-hander Clayton Richard for assignment and promoted outfielder Matt Szczur from Triple-A Iowa. The move gives the Cubs an extra bench player -- an option Maddon likes against the Pirates.
The Cubs should know soon whether Richard will rejoin the organization.
