Zobrist a late scratch with tightness in back

April 17th, 2018

CHICAGO -- The Cubs got back on Tuesday, but was scratched prior to the game against the Cardinals because of tightness in his back.
Zobrist was to lead off and play right field, but instead got the start in center, and was moved from center to right field.
Zobrist was limited this spring because of tightness in his back, and totaled 34 at-bats.
Rizzo was activated from the 10-day disabled list after being sidelined with tightness in his lower back.
• Cubs manager Joe Maddon introduced new artwork on Tuesday, part of his season-long campaign to link art and the sport. This month's painting, which was done by Tampa Bay-area artist Jason Skeldon, features Uncle Sam with inspirational messages.

One of the original paintings that featured Skeldon's take on the Mona Lisa will be auctioned Wednesday at the Bricks and Ivy Ball, which is Cubs Charities' primary fundraising event.
"The original thought was to create a theme for the season," Maddon said. "Beyond that, yes, I do want to make money for the [Respect 90] Foundation. The money that comes back to me personally is all for charity."
Money raised from the sale of prints of the paintings will go to either Respect 90 or Cubs Charities, or one of the Cubs players' charities.
Maddon also has an idea to create a program through which he can answer questions from students via Skype or Facetime for 30 minutes.
"I'm having a coffee, we're in Cincinnati ... Why wouldn't I do something like this?" Maddon said.
"You sit in a classroom, a young group of journalists, 10th grade, and they sit there and ask me questions for a half an hour and we talk about what's going on with the Cubs or baseball in general," he said, adding that other teams and players could take part as well. "I think once that connection is made, whoever was in that class is a Cubs fan forever or a Pirate fan forever. Even if they're not a fan of baseball, they become attached because of that technological connection."
, the Cubs' No. 1 prospect as ranked by MLB Pipeline, will make his 2018 debut on Thursday with Triple-A Iowa. Alzolay has been in extended spring training to build up arm strength. Alzolay was 7-1 with a 2.98 ERA in 15 starts at Class A Myrtle Beach last year.
• The Cubs and Braves will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on May 14, when the two teams meet in a makeup game at Wrigley Field. Their game on Sunday, which was Jackie Robinson Day around MLB, was postponed because of the inclement weather. Both teams will wear the No. 42 jerseys to honor Robinson, who broke baseball's color barrier.