Staff Report

CHICAGO  — Chicago Cubs slugger Anthony Rizzo will be out of the lineup for at least five to seven days after leaving Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third inning with a sprained right ankle.

X-rays taken at Wrigley Field showed no broken bones. An MRI performed Monday determined surgery, which would have undoubtedly ended Rizzo’s season, was not required.

The first baseman suffered the injury while fielding a bunt.

With a runner on second and none out, Pirates pitcher Trevor Williams bunted to the third-base side of the mound. Rizzo charged aggressively and rolled the ankle a couple of steps before fielding the ball. He threw wide to first base and then dropped to the ground in obvious pain.

Rizzo had to be helped off the field and could put no pressure on his right leg.

The injury could be a significant blow to the playoff-contending Cubs, who have already lost shortstop Javier Báez for the season with a fractured left thumb.

The 30-year-old Rizzo is hitting .289 with 26 homers and 93 RBIs in 140 games this season.