Anthony Rizzo is in the lineup for the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, playing first base and leading off against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Rizzo was diagnosed with a lateral right ankle sprain Monday after injuring himself the day prior and was supposed to be in a walking boot for five-to-seven days.
The 30-year-old decided Thursday he wanted to play and received clearance from the team, according to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune.
Rizzo had a cortisone shot Monday and will have his ankle tightly wrapped, Sullivan adds.
The three-time All-Star has been one of Chicago's best players this season, hitting .289/.404/.516 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs.
The Cubs also announced shortstop Addison Russell has been activated from the seven-day concussion list, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian.