The summer heat arrived in earnest Wednesday at Cubs camp, with the combination of Anthony Rizzo’s back trouble, several delayed COVID-19 test results and questions for manager David Ross about his Opening Day starter intensifying the already chaotic atmosphere that exists at Wrigley Field and every other major league ballpark.
An MRI taken Tuesday confirmed the inflammation in Rizzo’s left upper back that has created more of the painful spasms he has experienced once or twice a season since 2014. The first baseman will be held out of any rigorous activity Thursday — for the ninth day in the last 10 — and admits there’s a chance he’ll be unready to play when the season starts on July 24.