Cubs without Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez to take on the Nationals

In some concerning news for the Chicago Cubs and skipper David Ross, both Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez are being held out of Wednesday’s lineup. 

With the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs getting ready to face off on Wednesday, the latter will be taking the field without two of its biggest stars. Moments ago, the Cubs revealed their lineup for the showdown, with both Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez not being included.

For Baez, skipper David Ross is giving him a day off. There’s no worries there. However, the same can’t be said for Rizzo, who left Tuesday’s tilt due to injury.

Anthony Rizzo is dealing with a lower back injury for Chicago

The veteran first baseman is currently dealing with lower back tightness. With Rizzo being a fan favorite too, any time he’s not in the lineup plenty of eyebrows are going to be raised. Luckily, it doesn’t appear that his injury is overly serious, as ESPN’s Jesse Rogers is reporting he’ll be available if needed.

Fellow slugger Kris Bryant will take over the duties at first base with Rizzo a little banged up, while David Bote will man the hot corner. Meanwhile at shortstop, Ross is turning to Eric Sogard to fill in for Baez.

Entering Wednesday’s tilt with Washington, the Cubs are 21-20 on the year and 2.5 games back rival St. Louis at the top of the NL Central standings. Chicago, winners of six of its last 10 games, obviously can’t afford to have Rizzo out for an extended period of time.

While an off day is normal for Baez at this point in the season, Rizzo being taken out of a game and then missing another is something to keep an eye on. The last thing Cubs fans will want to see is for this injury to linger for a while. For now, Rizzo is day-to-day, which of course is a positive sign. Ross sure hopes things stay that way.