Rizzo returns, welcomes Cubs new additions
Anthony Rizzo returned from six games off with a sore back by going 2-for-4 at the plate in the Cubs' victory Tuesday.
"(I feel) good, really good," Rizzo said after the game. "It's the part of the year where you take that couple extra days rest to let it calm down and get everything back where it needs to be. Happy to be back with the boys today and get a nice win."
Rizzo also talked about the atmosphere in the clubhouse with so many new players on hand, filling in for the long list of injured Cubs. Rizzo has gotten praise from Patrick Wisdom and others for providing a welcoming atmosphere.
"I think you just treat them like normal people," Rizzo said. "The service time thing used to be a thing years ago. You just treat them like one of the guys. Being accepted and seeing me, Javy (Baez), JayHey (Jason Heyward) being normal with them. It's not like guys who have been here a long time do it any different. It's the same game.
"It's really easy with everybody we have because we have such good dudes. Even Sergio (Alcantara) coming up and not really knowing anyone, he just fits right in and it's a good feeling. We're developing into a really good team and that's a good feeling."
Rizzo was asked about his own experience when he joined the Cubs as a young player.
"Ryan Dempster right away pulled me aside," Rizzo said. "We were on a pretty bad team and he pulled me aside and said, 'Hey, you're here to help us win. Be yourself. If you need anything ...' That was big for me. (Alfonso) Soriano, Starlin Castro, I can go on and on the veterans on the '12 Cubs. Reed Johnson, Jeff Baker.
"We've got all guys that are very similar age and we get along really well. You're laughing a lot - throughout the game, in the clubhouse before the game. It's easy conversations with guys and there's a lot of really good people in here. We want them to bring their own identity to the field every day and embrace it."
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