MESA, Ariz. — David Ross thought he would miss only the Cubs’ Cactus League opener Saturday night because of his flu-like symptoms.
“I tried to push it,” Ross said Tuesday morning. “My body had a different idea.”
Ross said he spent four to five hours Sunday at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center under the supervision of team doctor Stephen Adams to receive fluids and eventually “turned the corner.” He’ll make his long-awaited managerial debut Tuesday afternoon against the Rockies at Sloan Park.
“As a player, I only had to show up for Jon Lester’s starts, so I figured today was a good day to get back,” Ross quipped.
Ross said he felt fine, but only after taking some good-natured ribbing from an array of Cubs, from general manager Jed Hoyer to slugger Anthony Rizzo.
“A buddy of mine texted me, ‘you quit already?’ ” Ross said.
Ross did say “what goes around, comes around” in response to Hoyer telling a television audience that he told Ross he’s no “Lou Gehrig,” referring to the Yankees’ durable first baseman from 80 years ago.
“Just so you know, Jed is a little under the weather today,” Ross said. “That’s karma. I wish I could have been there (at the games). Trust me.”
Ross said he felt bad missing the first three Cactus League games and that he has stressed accountability to his players.
“You give all these talks to guys, and I’m in there talking about I want everyone in there the first game in the dugout,” said Ross, who watched two of the first three games on television. “I’m sitting at home watching 62 dudes in the dugout, guys are hitting home runs, and I’m wondering, ‘how am I not there?’
“I’m holding everyone accountable here, and I’m not only one not there. That was tough.”
Ross said didn’t recall missing many games as a player, especially because of illness.
Ross felt well enough to watch Yu Darvish and Craig Kimbrel throw live batting practice Monday at the Cubs’ spring complex but didn’t make the 40-minute trek to Peoria for the game against the Mariners.
Ross said the coaching staff kept him updated on the personnel.
“Things definitely ran seamlessly,” Ross said. “It was easy to see (Monday) when I came in for the short bit how well things were running. I’m super thankful for that group.”
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