Cubs' Rizzo scratched, but injury not serious

MILWAUKEE - Both the Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers had to deal with injuries on Friday. For the Cubs, it's a short-term problem, but for the Brewers, it's long term.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo was a lineup scratch because of lower-back tightness. He is said to be day-to-day.

Brewers closer Corey Knebel, however, could be out six weeks after suffering a left-hamstring strain and collapsing to the ground after throwing a pitch in Thursday night's game.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon talked about both players before Friday night's game at Miller Park. He said Rizzo's injury is not serious.

"No, it's just that tightness, back tightness.," he said. "Did a lot of extra hitting yesterday. That might have brought it on a little bit. It's definitely a day-to-day kind of a thing. We've been here in the past with him. I'm not overtly concerned."

Backup catcher Victor Caratini started at first base in place of Rizzo.

Maddon expressed concern for Knebel.

"Whenever you've done that in the past yourself, you know how badly it hurts," he said. "It's worse than breaking a bone for me, man. That really hurts. Hopefully it's not going to be bad. I don't even know where it's at yet. That was painful to watch. He's such a great talent. He's a big part of their team. You don't like to see that happen."

Knebel, who saved 39 games last year and made the all-star team, told the Milwaukee media that, "It's not as serious as we thought (Thursday) night. So that's good news."

The Brewers recalled pitcher Adrian Houser from Class AA Biloxi to take Knebel's place on the 25-man roster.

Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell told the media he would piece together the closer situation for now.

"I think right now we'll just play the games and see how it kind of works out," he said. "Who we're playing and lineups may have a little bit to do with that. But I think as we get further along in this, somebody will probably claim most of the opportunities."

Ramblers get to sing:

Members of Loyola University Chicago's men's basketball team will sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch during Monday's Wrigley Field opener.

The Ramblers advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament while being an 11th seed in the South Region.

Throwing out the ceremonial first pitches Monday will be Cubs Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg and Billy Williams.

The Cubs will be the only major-league team not to have played a home game as they've begun the season on a three-city road trip.