Struggling Anthony Rizzo gets leadoff call, hits HR in first

CHICAGO -- Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzobatted leadoff Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies after hitting just .149 with a .259 on-base percentage to start the season.

The move paid immediate dividends.

Rizzo slugged a home run in the bottom of the first, taking a 94 mph fastball from Jon Gray over the wall at Wrigley Field.

Prior to the game, Chicago manager Joe Maddon discussed the move, one he's tried in the past for struggling players.

"If we're in this good of a position [first place] right now, while he's really not done his Rizzo thing, boy, do I have confidence in that moment," Maddon said.

Maddon doesn't believe Rizzo is doing anything wrong mechanically but thinks a different look in the lineup can make a difference, especially if there are dangerous hitters behind him to serve as protection. Kris Bryantbatted second Tuesday, as both Albert Almora Jr and Javier Baez -- the previous 1-2 hitters -- had the night off.

"I'm very, very excited that it's May," Rizzo said on his weekly radio show on ESPN 1000 on Tuesday.

Last year, Rizzo hit first in the lineup in 14 games, compiling a .373 on-base percentage. He got off to such a hot start in the role that he jokingly declared himself the "greatest leadoff hitter of all time," as his perfect OBP over the first few games deemed him as much.

"Trying not to do too much, which is the hardest part," Rizzo said of overcoming his current struggles. "Trying to relax and [take it] one pitch at a time. That's all you can do."