Recovering from back injury, Rizzo out of lineup again

CINCINNATI -- Anthony Rizzo did not start for a second straight day Thursday because of tightness in his lower back, but he hopes to return to the Cubs' lineup Friday for the start of a three-game series against the Cardinals.

Rizzo said he couldn't get his back loose after a 50-minute rain delay Tuesday against the Reds, and he asked to come out of the game as a precaution.

"There wasn't one thing I did that hurt it," Rizzo said. "It just grabbed me. I'm not too worried about it. It's just frustrating."

Rizzo was able to loosen up on Wednesday, and he received treatment most of the day. He woke up Thursday feeling better.

"Hopefully, I can get it loose and keep it loose for a while," Rizzo said.

Rizzo said his back bothers him when he extends it, which is what he does on his swings.

"Obviously, going through a swinging motion grabs at it, too," Rizzo said. "Hopefully, today it gets a lot better. I don't think it's going to get any worse. I'll just gut through it, worst case."

Rizzo has been taking anti-inflammatory medication and keeping the team masseuse busy.

"No one is 100 percent healthy right now," Rizzo said.