(670 The Score) A cancer survivor who overcame Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2008, Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is comfortable playing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"I spoke to my oncologist early on," Rizzo said. "He actually reached out and told us to be very cautious. You know, wash your hands, wear a mask. I get a checkup every year from my oncologist. I also get a checkup once a year from the Cubs. I am technically cured. That is so far behind me, but I still think of it. As far as my body and immune system, it's all up to par. I am a lot stronger now than I was at 18."
The virus concern is real and serious for Rizzo and others across baseball -- not just for themselves but also their family members.
"There is some anxiety that comes with a lot of guys coming in at one time over the next 10 days or two weeks," Rizzo said. "I am not the kind of person who lives my life with a lot of high anxiety. I am not into what-ifs. Emily (his wife) and I do what we need to do to stay in our bubble and stay safe. All the guys know this is so unpredictable, and I could catch it right now just talking into this microphone. There will be things that are abnormal and uncomfortable. I do believe this is a step in the right direction of getting back. MLB and our union are doing the best we can to navigate the storm."
In initial numbers released by MLB and the players' union Friday, 38 of 3,185 individuals (1.2%) tested positive for COVID-19. More positive tests have surfaced over the last two days as well.
After the coronavirus halted MLB spring training and delayed the season, Rizzo used the time to lost 20 pounds in an intense workout program.
"I looked at myself in the mirror when I got home from Arizona and said I am either going to gain 50 pounds or get back into amazing shape," he said. "I was in really good shape coming into spring training. Me and coach (Mike) Napoli were basically (workout) buddies the entire time and held each other accountable every day six days a week. We had a good routine and got after it. I think it's paid off. I feel really good."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
