Anthony Rizzo returns to Cubs lineup

Sidelined since Aug. 26 with a lower back strain, Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is ready to get back on the diamond, and is in the Cubs lineup for Monday's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. 

Rizzo, a first-time All-Star this year, has hit .278/.375/.514 with 30 home runs, all career highs. He also leads the club in virtually every offensive category, including RBI, OPS, walks and extra-base hits. 

Early this month, there was some speculation that the Cubs would shut him down for the rest of the season, but with the 25-year-old reporting no lingering pain in his back, it appears they'll let him play out the string. 

In the 18 games Rizzo missed, the Cubs went 6-12.