Back injury flares up, Rizzo not in Cubs lineup
Anthony Rizzo was not in Wednesday's starting lineup in Pittsburgh, due to a recurrence of a sore back that has bothered him for a few weeks.
"Just a little low back tightness," manager David Ross said before the game. "Just some of the stuff that had creeped up the other day when we gave him the day off. He tried to work it out, I didn't want to push it. He'll be available to pinch-hit, but try to just not have him on his feet with the quick turnaround with a day game tomorrow."
Kris Bryant got the start at first base Wednesday. Since the Cubs brought up outfielder Rafael Ortega to replace injured second baseman Nico Hoerner, it seems likely Bryant could return to third base, where he hasn't played since April 20.
"Everybody's excited for KB to play third. Is there a reason for that?" Ross joked. "He's playing good outfield, he's playing at an MVP level at the plate. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, in my mind. That's definitely an option."
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