Cubs could call up Rizzo for DH role
The Cubs insist they’re focused on “development” when it comes to their young players.
But the question came up Sunday about the possibility of calling up first-base phenom Anthony Rizzo from Class AAA Iowa, say in June.
“That’s definitely got to be talked about,” manager Dale Sveum said. “He’s done everything he can down there. Still, when you bring somebody up like that, he’s got to play every day.
“That’s the million-dollar question: How do we get that playing time? But it’s definitely something we’re going to talk about and probably around the beginning of June or (for) interleague play when we need the DH.”
The Cubs will need the DH for games June 8-10 at Minnesota and June 18-20 against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.
There is no indication from the front office the Cubs are going to bring Rizzo that soon even if it is talked about. Entering Sunday, Rizzo had a hitting line of .353/.418/.706 with 14 home runs and 39 RBI.
LaHair said he would do whatever he’s asked, even if it means moving to the outfield to accommodate Rizzo, a left-handed and good-fielding first baseman.
“Whatever role I have, I’m going to accept it,” LaHair said. “If it’s going to make our team better, that’s what I’m all about. I’m all about winning.”
Multiple injury updates:
Pitcher Carlos Marmol and catcher Steve Clevenger are set to go out on minor-league rehab assignments.
Marmol, who is recovering from a right-hamstring strain, will head to Class AAA Iowa and throw a side session Monday and a simulated game Wednesday. He will get into game action Friday.
Clevenger (oblique strain) took batting practice Sunday at Wrigley Field. He also will head to Iowa on Monday and start easing into game action Tuesday.
Both players could be back for the Memorial Day game at Wrigley after the Cubs go to Houston and Pittsburgh.
Catcher Welington Castillo is wearing a knee brace as he has a mild MCL sprain of his right knee. He suffered the injury blocking the ball on Kerry Wood’s final pitch of his career Friday.
Dale Sveum said Castillo was feeling better Sunday. He’s expected to be out a total of 4-7 days.
Catcher Geovany Soto had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Friday. He returned to Wrigley Field on Sunday to begin rehab. He could be out three weeks.
Reliever Blake Parker was said to be doing better Sunday. He suffered a right-hamstring injury while pitching Saturday night. The Cubs said he has a mild strain and would be assessed daily.
Maholm’s streak ends:
Starting pitcher Paul Maholm saw his personal four-game winning streak end with Sunday’s 6-0 loss to the White Sox. Maholm (4-3, 4.73 ERA) worked 6<sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> innings, giving up 9 hits and 5 runs.
He allowed back-to-back solo homers to Gordon Beckham and Adam Dunn in the fourth inning and a solo homer to Tyler Flowers in the fifth.
“I’ve been throwing good inside to righties, and to Flowers, I missed by like 4 feet,” Maholm said. “I look at the positive at least. I think every one of them hit the street.”