CHICAGO -- When baseball paused in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Anthony Rizzo headed home, the Cubs first baseman had to figure out how to approach the coming weeks and months. With no firm return date established at the time, Rizzo knew there were two ways things could go.
"I looked myself in the mirror when I got home," Rizzo said, "and I go, 'I'm either going to gain 50 pounds or I'm going to get back into amazing shape.'"
Rizzo arrived at Wrigley Field on Friday for the first workout of Summer Camp and was noticeably slimmed down compared to three months ago. Rizzo noted that he and Cubs quality assurance coach Mike Napoli became "quarantine buddies" and teamed up for workouts six days each week, losing more than 25 pounds apiece in the process.
Cubs outfielder Ian Happ has a locker near Rizzo's in the Wrigley Field clubhouse and was entertained when the first baseman had to be fitted for new gear.
"He does look phenomenal," Happ said. "I was watching him try on smaller clothes today, because everything that he had was a little large. Very nice to see him downsizing. He looks absolutely wonderful."
During batting practice, Rizzo's swing looked unaffected by his new physique as he launched a few pitches deep into the right-field bleachers.
"His pop right now, I don't want to oversell it," Happ said, "but his pop right now is strong. He's very strong. That was a little dig-me session for Anthony."
Rizzo, who is a cancer survivor, was asked during Friday's Zoom call with reporters if he considered not participating in this season given his health history. The first baseman said he had no hesitation about showing up, especially after his oncologist reached out to him during the three-month intermission.
"I get a regular check-up once a year from my oncologist," Rizzo said. "I get a regular check-up once a year from the Cubs. And I'm technically cured, thankfully, and it's so far behind me now. I still think of it, but as far as my body, the immune system and everything is up to par, if not stronger, than when I was 18."
Worth noting
• Cubs manager David Ross noted that the team will hold a three-inning intrasquad game during Saturday's workout. Ross raved about the starting pitchers already being built up to at least three innings, adding that it is important to shift into game-like action as soon as possible.
"There's no substitute for live looks," Ross said. "We learn so much from the interactions of competing that I want these guys to start turning that dial up a little bit. They've done the work, now it's time to start learning how to compete at a high level again."
• Happ is fully on board with designated hitters coming to the National League, noting that a growing number of pitchers at amateur levels focus on specialization and do not work much on hitting. Happ also feels the DH is good for the Cubs, who can cycle a number of players through that role.
"For player safety this year, it's big," Happ said. "I think that baseball's at a point where having nine hitters in the lineup in the NL is a good thing. I think it's a good thing for our baseball team, specifically. It gives us a lot of flexibility in a few different spots and I'm excited to see how it plays out this year."
• Ross said it was "a big loss" to have lefty José Quintana shelved for at least two weeks following surgery to repair a lacerated nerve in his left thumb. The injury pushes Tyler Chatwood up to the fourth rotation spot and gives Alec Mills the lead for the fifth job. Ross also named Colin Rea and Jharel Cotton are options.
Said Ross: "We've got some good options there to fill that void internally that I have extreme confidence in."
Quotable
"It's been an exciting time. It's fun to be back. Wrigley looks amazing. The weather's been great. The field, the grounds crew's done a phenomenal job. The ivy's in. You kind of turn into a 12-year-old, thinking about baseball and how much you've missed it in this time." -- Ross