The countdown is on for top prospect Anthony Rizzo to make his Cubs debut.
Rizzo was pulled from Monday's game with Triple-A Iowa, and the Cubs announced that he was expected to be at Wrigley Field in time for tomorrow's game against the New York Mets. It is unclear whether Rizzo will arrive in time for today's series opener, but he reportedly will not be activated until Tuesday.
The arrival of Rizzo has become one of the year's most interesting subplots for the Cubs (24-48), who have the worst record in the majors almost halfway through the season. Rizzo, 22, is the most prominent of several prospects who signify hope for long-term improvement on the North Side.
At Triple-A Iowa, Rizzo hit .345 with 23 home runs and 62 RBIs in 69 games. He is expected to play first base for the Cubs, who recently shifted Bryan LaHair to right field and David DeJesus to center field to clear a spot for the 6-foot-3, 220-pound power hitter.
Meanwhile, here is the Cubs' lineup for today's game against the New York Mets. Travis Wood will oppose Johan Santana in the game, which starts at 7:05 p.m. and is scheduled to be broadcast on CSN+, CLTV and WGN-AM 720.
1. Reed Johnson, RF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Jeff Baker, 1B
6. Geovany Soto, C
7. Joe Mather, CF
8. Luis Valbuena, 3B
9. Travis Wood, SP
-Tom Musick
