Anthony Rizzo out with injury, exits game after getting hit by a pitch

The Yankees suffered another injury blow in Thursday’s game against the Oakland Athletics after Anthony Rizzo had to leave the game. The first baseman was struck on his back elbow by a pitch. Manager Aaron Boone shared that X-Rays yielded no concerning results, but Anthony Rizzo’s status remains day-to-day, with a possibility of missing Friday’s game.

Following the Yankees’ 10-4 win over the Athletics on Thursday afternoon, Anthony Rizzo’s exit at Oakland Coliseum initially seemed inconspicuous. Despite being hit by a pitch in the sixth inning, he soldiered on and even scored during a remarkable eight-run inning. Given the comfortable lead, it was somewhat expected to witness defensive replacements taking the field in the subsequent half-inning. Billy McKinney stepped in for Anthony Rizzo, while Oswaldo Cabrera replaced Giancarlo Stanton.

Boone’s post-game press meet reveals Anthony Rizzo’s injury

A revealing question in manager Aaron Boone’s postgame media session at Oakland Coliseum shed light on Anthony Rizzo’s less-than-perfect health condition, leading to his early exit from the game due to a fresh injury concern. The Yankees manager confirmed that the first baseman was being considered day-to-day after enduring a 96.6-mph fastball striking his left elbow.

Thankfully, the initial X-ray results provided some relief as they showed no immediate cause for alarm. However, Anthony Rizzo’s absence from the Yankees’ clubhouse after the game was evident, as he received necessary treatment to alleviate swelling in the affected area, preventing him from sharing his own perspective.

“We’ll see if he’s good enough to go tomorrow,” Boone said.

While Boone’s statements didn’t reflect extreme worry, it’s essential to approach it cautiously. Recalling Anthony Rizzo’s earlier departure from a game on May 28 when he collided with Padres standout Fernando Tatis Jr. at first base, the consequences were notable. The first baseman subsequently missed several games, and his performance at the plate appeared affected for weeks thereafter. Considering this history, it’s prudent to acknowledge the potential significance behind Boone’s seemingly nonchalant demeanor.

While it’s plausible that Anthony Rizzo’s injury is a mere bump and bruise, considering he ranks among the top players in MLB history for being hit by pitches, there’s also the chance that it could sideline him for a period. The prospect of the latter scenario casts a shadow over an otherwise eventful weekend, characterized by a flurry of runs, decisive victories, and the remarkable achievement of Domingo German’s perfect game.

Rizzo’s season performance reflects mixed results

Anthony Rizzo’s stat line for the season stands at a .269 batting average, a .787 OPS, and 11 home runs across 75 games. However, a notable occurrence this month was the veteran enduring the longest slump of his career, going 0-for-24 at the plate. Consequently, this slump played a part in a decline in his overall numbers, suggesting a regression in his performance.

Lately, Anthony Rizzo has been on a hot streak. Considering his 1-for-3 performance on Thursday, he boasts an impressive .333 batting average (9-for-27) across his last nine games.

The absence of Judge has undoubtedly taken a toll on the Yankees’ offense, leaving them with the league’s worst performance in that regard. However, in a remarkable turn of events, the past two days have witnessed the Yankees exploding for an astounding 21 runs against the A’s.

For the Yankees’ offense to genuinely rebound without Judge, Anthony Rizzo’s consistent presence in the lineup becomes crucial. As the team looks to turn the tide, they will heavily rely on Rizzo’s contributions on a daily basis.

The prevailing hope is that Anthony Rizzo’s absence won’t extend beyond Friday if manager Boone decides to give him a rest.

With a current record of 45-36, the Yankees find themselves trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 9.5 games in the highly competitive American League East. However, there’s a silver lining as New York currently holds a one-game advantage in the second Wild Card spot in the AL.

Next on the Yankees’ agenda is a journey to the Midwest, where they will face off against the St. Louis Cardinals in an upcoming three-game series. But without Anthony Rizzo and Judge, they may need others to step up to the leadership role.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.