Rizzo's Back Issue, Morrow Released And More Cubs Notes

You can always count on death, taxes and Anthony Rizzo experiencing back tightness.

The Cubs first baseman shocked his teammates during the shutdown, as he got into the best shape of his life. However, even a slimmer Rizzo can't escape his back issues. He's been sidelined for a couple days because of a tight lower back, something he's gone through almost every year of his career.

The Cubs are of course going to be extra cautious at this point of the schedule and for now Rizzo is considered day-to-day.

Just like if this was spring training, sit Rizzo until he's 100%. All the team needs is for him to be ready for the start of the regular season, which is now two weeks away.

The Cubs reportedly made a couple roster moves on Wednesday, as right-handed reliever Brandon Morrow was released.

The 35-year-old pitcher signed a minor league deal with the Cubs after the third year of his contract was bought out for $3 million. I mean, the best way to describe Morrow's time with the Cubs is probably frustrating? We saw that he was awesome when healthy, but we knew that his health was a big question mark and then after half a season he never pitched for the Cubs again. Can you really hate a guy for getting injured? That happens and it's not like he was out here trying to get hurt on purpose.

Oh well. Morrow is supposedly still trying to come back next year.

The Cubs also added utility infielder Hernán Pérez to their 60-man player pool.

OK...so we knew more guys would be added to the 60-man roster and obviously "depth" is going to be the first reason why, but David Ross also added this as Pérez arrives to camp.

Via NBC Sports Chicago.

"We need him here. He’s great for the environment. He’s got a good track record for being around the guys. He’s got close relationships with some of our guys. ... And as we looked at things where were short maybe a position player, and he fit right in to a multifaceted skillset that we need here. And it’s nice to have his energy around. Its’ good to see him back."

Hmmm, "short maybe a position player." Is someone (other than Rizzo) hurt right now and we don't know? Does this have to do with Nico Hoerner either in a good way - he's going to take most of the second base playing time and can't be a backup shortstop - or in a bad way - the Cubs think Hoerner isn't ready to be on the Opening Day Roster and Pérez is needed?

OK, no I'm not panicking. Strictly a depth move.

Left-handed reliever Kyle Ryan will finally join the Cubs at Wrigley Field Thursday. He's been away from the team after going through some delays in the COVID-19 protocols. Ryan hasn't tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Marquee Sports Network has agreed to a deal!

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With Weather Applied Metrics.

Still no word on a contract with Comcast. Opening Day is July 24, against the Brewers.