North Side Story: A Chicago Cubs Franchise.

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CHICAGO (OS) -- Anthony Rizzo helped turn an amazing double play Friday afternoon in the Cubs 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, but suffered would could possibly be a season-ending injury in the process. After a diving stop and a throw to second to start a 3-6-1 double play, the Cubs slugger was in noticeable pain, grabbing his right ankle.

Skipper Joe Maddon and the rest of the Cubs were hoping for some good news following and MRI but the initial diagnosis is that of a dislocated ankle. An injury that could easily sideline the three-time All-Star for most, if not all of 2019.

"You never want to see anyone go down," said friend and teammate Kris Bryant. "It's especially hard when it happens to a guy that's kind of the heart and soul of the team." Rizzo, 29, said that he felt a pop after making the diving grab but was still able to make the throw to shortstop.

For Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, the question will certainly be what to do to fill the void left be Rizzo's injury. A call has already been made to long-time journeyman Taylor Davis, who will join the team tomorrow, but Epstein and the Cubs know that a long-term solution needs to be found, and relatively quickly.

The Cubs 15-15 record currently has them in a tie for first place with the Milwaukee Brewers (17-17) in the NL Central division. But Epstein knows that the division is talented and will require some offensive production at first base is the Cubs hope to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year in 2019.

"We're going to look at all options," stated Epstein. "You always have to look at what's best for the team now and into the future. We like what we've done the last couple years through the draft and we know we'll have some decisions to make moving forward. The main thing is, we can't panic. Things like this, unfortunately happen and we feel like we've built a team that can withstand injuries."

Rizzo, who is in his eighth season with the Chicago Cubs had played in no fewer than 140 games since 2013. And while the usually-durable slugger is disappointed that he'll be sidelined for some time, he's optimistic about the team and his eventual return.

"You look at our team top to bottom and I think we're as talented as any club out there," said Rizzo. "I think back to 2016, the year we won the World Series. Kyle [Schwarber] went down within the first week of the season and missed the entire year, but came back in the World Series and made a difference. That gives me a lot of confidence. I've battled enough adversity in my life and I can battle through this."

In 2008 Rizzo was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and underwent six months of chemotherapy. And after battling back from cancer, it's obvious that an injury won't keep the Cubs star from coming back.

In regards to at least a temporary replacement, there are rumors circulating just a day after the injury that the Cubs could pursue Kansas City Royals first baseman, Lucas Duda. The left-handed power hitting Duda is in the final year of his contract and would replace at least some of the power that will certainly be lost with the injury to Rizzo.

On a bright note for the Cubs, infielder Addison Russell made his debut with Triple-A Iowa Friday afternoon and went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in. Russell, who was suspended at the end of last season for violating the league's domestic abuse policy is expected to spend some time at second base in Iowa, and if all goes well could find himself back with the Cubs sooner rather than later.

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