Anthony Rizzo will be sidelined for at least a portion of the Cubs' final playoff push after spraining his right ankle during Sunday's game.
The team told reporters Monday that Rizzo does not need surgery to correct the issue but will be wearing a walking boot for the next five to seven days. He will be re-evaluated at that point to determine a timeline for his return.
Cubs: MRI revealed that Anthony Rizzo has lateral right ankle sprain. No surgery needed. Rizzo will wear a boot for 5-7 days. Timeline for return will be assessed after being re-evaluated after immobilization period.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 16, 2019
More soon on https://t.co/XyV3PiA6xx.
The Chicago first baseman was attempting to field a bunt in the third inning against the Pirates when he slipped and twisted his ankle.
He still managed to complete a throw for the out but was replaced by Ian Happ after he had to be helped off the field. He didn't put any weight on his foot while going to the dugout.
#Cubs worst nightmare. Anthony Rizzo leaves the game after turning his ankle badly running in to field a bunt. In serious pain and helped off the field @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/USMR9w5Bch
— Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) September 15, 2019
Rizzo walked in the first inning and scored a run on Kris Bryant's three-run homer before his injury. He's hitting .289/.404/.516 with 26 homers in 139 games this season.
The Cubs enter Monday's game against the Reds with an 81-68 record, two games back of the Cardinals in the NL Central and one game up on the Brewers for the final NL wild-card spot.