Anthony Rizzo exits with finger fractures; playoff availability still on table

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The New York Yankees suffered another setback in their 9-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. First baseman Anthony Rizzo exited in the seventh inning after being hit on the right hand, sustaining fractures to the fourth and fifth fingers of his right hand.

Leading off the seventh, Anthony Rizzo was struck on the bottom of his hand by a 1-2 slider from Pirates reliever Ryan Borucki. The impact caused Rizzo to wince in visible pain. Despite the painful blow, Rizzo initially remained in the game after being checked by head athletic trainer Tim Lentych. However, as the inning progressed, the Yankees made a defensive change. Oswaldo Cabrera moved over from shortstop, and Anthony Volpe came in to play shortstop after the Yankees batted in the seventh.

Recent return after lengthy injury absence

The injury scare comes just weeks after Anthony Rizzo returned from an extended stint on the injured list. He had previously missed 62 games due to a fractured right forearm, an injury he sustained in a collision with Boston Red Sox reliever Brennan Bernardino on June 16 at Fenway Park. The long recovery took a significant chunk out of Rizzo’s season, yet he had shown promising form since his return on September 1, hitting .380 (8-for-21) in the games leading up to this recent setback.

On the other hand, Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains hopeful Anthony Rizzo’s injury won’t impact his availability for the playoffs, with the Bronx Bombers boss optimistic about a quick recovery. The American League Division Series kicks off on Oct. 5 at Yankee Stadium

“We’ll see what we have as the week moves forward,” Boone said. “It doesn’t totally rule him out. It’s something that is a pain tolerance thing, so we’ll see as the days unfold here what we have.”

A season full of challenges

Anthony Rizzo’s numbers this season reflect the impact of his injuries and extended time away from the game. Over 92 games, he’s batting .228 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs. While his overall numbers have been below expectations, his recent form suggested a resurgence, and he had been a key contributor to the Yankees lineup since coming back. For the Yankees, who have been working through injuries and inconsistent play, Rizzo’s resurgence was a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging season.

After Anthony Rizzo left the game, the Yankees quickly adjusted their infield alignment. Cabrera, who started at shortstop, moved over to first base, while Anthony Volpe entered to take over at short. These moves highlight the Yankees’ reliance on versatile players like Cabrera and Volpe, who have been used across multiple positions throughout the season to fill in the gaps left by frequent injuries.

According to ESPN, the Yankees will provide updates on Anthony Rizzo’s condition after further evaluation. With only a few games remaining in the regular season, the team may face a difficult decision regarding Rizzo’s availability. Any potential absence could effectively end his year, a disappointing conclusion for the veteran first baseman, especially considering his recent efforts to regain his rhythm.

For the Yankees, who are already out of playoff contention, the focus has shifted to player evaluations and building some momentum toward the 2025 season. Rizzo’s health will be a significant factor moving forward, as his experience and power are key to any future success the team envisions. His latest injury scare is an unwelcome reminder of the physical toll this season has taken, but the Yankees will be hopeful for a positive outcome as they look to end 2024 on a strong note.

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