NEW YORK -- It was almost like a family reunion between Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo and the Cubs on Friday afternoon at Yankees Stadium.

He was on the field talking to former teammates and members of the coaching staff, and why not? Rizzo was an integral part of the Cubs for 9 1/2 seasons and helped them win a World Series title in 2016.

Friday was not the first time he has seen his former teammates since he was dealt to the Bronx Bombers last summer. For example, Rizzo hung out with outfielder Ian Happ on Friday morning. Rizzo is also in contact with outfielder Jason Heyward and manager David Ross via text throughout the year.

“We are still in touch constantly. It’s just good to see their faces [today],” Rizzo said. “… It’s just refreshing to see people in person rather than via text on the phone.”

Rizzo is facing the Cubs for the second time in his career. The last time he played against them was as a member of the Padres on Sept. 28, 2011, in San Diego. In that game, Rizzo went 0-for-3 with a walk. By 2012, he was a member of the Cubs and he thrived in Chicago.

Rizzo acknowledged that when he plays at Wrigley Field again it will be emotional for him, but in a good way. Even though he has been gone for almost a year, Rizzo is still informed about what's going on with the team. He is aware, for example, that first baseman Frank Schwindel got off to a slow start and was optioned in May.

“Now, he is doing well. It’s fun to see,” Rizzo said. “You have guys that have grinded in this game for a while and are now getting the opportunity. Opportunities in this game when you get older are not easy to come by.

“P.J. Higgins hitting his first home run, it was fun to see from afar. I know how long he has been in the organization and the type of person he is.”

Yes, he misses Chicago, but Rizzo is enjoying his time with the Yankees. After all, they have the best record in baseball. Rizzo has been an integral part of that, too. Besides being an excellent defensive first baseman, Rizzo has been productive at the plate with 14 home runs and 39 RBIs entering Friday, both second on the team behind Aaron Judge.

“Coming [to New York] was an amazing opportunity last year to come to a team that was contending and winning,” Rizzo said. The atmosphere and the culture here is amazing, signing back [in the offseason]. … Being in first place, that helps. But it’s all the little things that go into it that have been a lot of fun this year.”