Anthony Rizzo started off Tuesday’s game by hitting his 30th home run of the season. Unfortunately, he ended it by leaving early with an injury.
The Cincinnati Enquirer‘s C. Trent Rosecrans provided the news:
Manager Rick Renteria talked about the injury after the Cubs‘ 3-0 win via Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times:
After a mostly disappointing 2013 campaign, Rizzo has been fantastic this season. Entering Tuesday’s contest, the first baseman was hitting .278/.376/.510 while chasing Giancarlo Stanton for the National League home run crown.
He hasn’t just carried a big stick, though. As CBS Chicago’s Bruce Levine argued, the 25-year-old has also been a vital part of the Cubs’ improvement on defense:
Rizzo’s fine play has begun to challenge Paul Goldschmidt and Adrian Gonzalez for recognition as the best fielding first baseman in the National League. The numbers bear out some of the obvious numbers considered for a Gold Glove award. Entering play on Sunday, Rizzo led all major league first baseman in chances, (1200) assists, (102 ) and putouts (1089 ). He was also ranked fourth in double plays contributing to 94 twin-killings on defense.
The Cubs (59-72) aren’t going anywhere this season, but with a stacked farm system, they are believed to be on the cusp of becoming a legitimate contender in the National League.
While youth is a large part of the reason for that optimism, Rizzo’s play this season has been another. He looks ready to anchor this team for a long time.
Fortunately, the injury doesn’t sound serious. Leaving the game was likely just a precautionary move from Chicago, which was leading by three runs at the time of Rizzo’s departure.
If he is forced to miss any time, Chris Valaika would likely see some time at first base.
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