3 Players the Cubs Need to Step up Big Time While Anthony Rizzo is Out

The Cubs lost star first baseman Anthony Rizzo to an ankle sprain in the heat of the stretch run with Chicago in a tight battle for a wild card spot. They need someone to step up in his place to provide the leadership and power that will be lacking during his absence.

Here are the three guys who need to take on that role in the final couple weeks.

3. Ian Happ

Happ was once a key member of the Cubs lineup but has spent much of this year working his way back to the MLB roster. He has struggled with hitting for average and limiting his strikeouts, but he's still young, possesses a lot of potential, and is versatile on the defensive end. If he can improve upon his .215 season average, build off of the glimpses he showed earlier this year, and fill in admirably on defense, he could be a key player down the stretch.

2. Victor Caratini

Victor Caratini, the team's backup first baseman and catcher, came in once Rizzo had to be carried off the field. He has only played in 14 games at first base this year, but should be counted on to get more opportunities there from this point on. He's been productive at the plate, however, which could make a big difference. In 83 games he's slashing .278/.358/.467 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI. He's getting on base and can hit for power, which the Cubs will need more of with Rizzo on the bench.

1. Ben Zobrist

Zobrist's return to the Cubs couldn't have come at a better time. The veteran took a leave of absence from the team and finally returned at the beginning of September after missing almost four months of action. His experience and defensive versatility need to be prevalent for the Cubs to replace Rizzo's production. The good news is that Zobrist has also been finding his groove since joining the Cubs back in the beginning of September and is hitting .382 over 11 games. If he returns to form, Joe Maddon will be delighted and have another dangerous bat in the lineup.