Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is out of the lineup Saturday for the fourth straight game with low back tightness.
Rizzo, who has a history of back problems, remains day-to-day, Cubs manager David Ross said.
“Things are progressing in a positive manner,” Ross said. “Just saw him, and they're starting to do some mobility stuff. He said he's feeling better every day.”
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Along with the update on Rizzo, Ross gave a sweeping positive report of the long list of injured Cubs players. Infielder Matt Duffy (lower back strain) is also improving each day. Outfielders Jason Heyward and Jake Marisnick (hamstring strains) ran the bases Friday, and that workout “went well.” Reliver Justin Steele (right hamstring strain) continues to progress. Second baseman Nico Hoerner (left hamstring strain) is in the early stages of recovery.
Alec Mills rehab start
Cubs swingman Alec Mills (lower back strain), made a rehab start at Triple-A Iowa on Saturday. He allowed two runs on five hits in four innings, an improvement on his previous rehab start (1.2 innings, 7 hits, 5 runs).
“Health-wise no issues, which is important,” Ross said. “Trying to get him back to where he's stretched out and healthy is the main concern.”
MLB
Next, Mills is scheduled for another rehab start on a regular five-day schedule.
Right-hander Trevor Megill, also on a rehab stint in Iowa, is scheduled to throw again Sunday, according to Ross.