(670 The Score) After missing the past four games with back tightness, first baseman Anthony Rizzo has returned to the lineup as the Cubs open a three-game series at the Washington Nationals on Friday evening.
Rizzo will hit third. He hadn't played since last Saturday, as the Cubs took a cautious approach as he experienced soreness. The team didn't want to send him to the injured list, believing Rizzo just needed a little time off for the back flareup, which has happened occasionally for him over the past few years.
The Cubs went 2-2 with Rizzo out. Rizzo is off to a quality start this season, hitting .252 with 10 homers, 29 RBIs and a .911 OPS.
