The Chicago Cubs just can’t seem to stop getting injured in the heat of a playoff race.
On Sunday, when first baseman Anthony Rizzo went to field a bunt during the Cubs’ 16-6 win over the Pirates, he became the latest in a long list of wounded Cubs.
The veteran first baseman turned his ankle on the Wrigley Field turf, immediately falling to the ground in pain. He was helped off of the team by trainers as Cubs fans and staff could do nothing but hope that the injury wasn’t serious.
On Monday, Rizzo and the team revealed that he had suffered a moderate ankle sprain and that he would spend the next five to seven days in a walking boot to speed up the healing process.
After this period of time is finished, the team will re-evaluate Rizzo’s injury and make a determination as to when he will be able to return to the field.
For now, though, the team continues to be without several key players, including infielders Javy Baez and Addison Russell as well as closer Craig Kimbrel. It’s a tough situation for the team, which finds itself trailing the Cardinals by 2.5 games in the NL Central and with a slim 0.5 game lead in the race for the second Wild Card.
For now, Chicago can’t do much but turn to Victor Caratini at first base and cross their fingers that Rizzo can return for the final week of the season.
