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The Chicago Cubs don’t have one designated and although he’s not the oldest player on the team, there’s no doubt Anthony Rizzo should be the captain. He showed why once again during Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds.
In the middle of what could be the turning point (I know, how cliché) of Yu Darvish’s first season with the Cubs, he walked Cincinnati’s starting pitcher on four straight pitches out of the strike zone. After ball three, Darvish was visibly upset, talking to himself before delivering another fastball out of the zone.
The four-pitch free pass to Tyler Mahle was the second of the inning by Darvish and the frustration was evident. After the Mahle walk Darvish stepped off the mound and at first took a few steps toward first base. Then, he walked behind the mound for a few seconds before getting back on the bump. That’s where Rizzo met him and offered his pitcher some comforting words.
Rizzo, on going over to Darvish on the mound in the 4th inning: “He just walked the pitcher. He’s walked the pitcher a couple of times. He was pissed. I’ve gotten to know him. You just go over and calm him down a bit. I said ‘don’t worry, we’ll score some runs for you.’”
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) May 20, 2018
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Darvish has been criticized this season for letting little things spiral out of control, but that didn’t happen on Sunday. Billy Hamilton swung at the first pitch he saw after the walk and popped up to Javier Baez to end the inning.
And then came the dreaded fifth inning. Darvish was again faced with some frustration after he felt Eugenio Suarez leaned into a pitch that hit his elbow protector.
Darvish didn’t let things spiral though, as he was helped out by some great defense.
Javier Baez is amazing pic.twitter.com/AaMO1glnLn
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) May 20, 2018
After throwing 39 pitches in the first inning, Darvish dominated the Reds on Sunday, striking out seven, while allowing a single run and two hits in six innings.
At the moment of Darvish’s highest stress level, Rizzo was the one who approached him and maybe it is too much credit to give, but he’s trying to do whatever he can to make one of his newest teammates comfortable.
That goes beyond the playing field as well.
yes, I've seen Rizzo and Darvish out together…actually surprised me but that's what good teammates do with new players
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) May 20, 2018
Anthony Rizzo is the perfect teammate and damnit he deserves a “C” on his chest.
