Boone confirms Anthony Rizzo’s likely Sunday activation for Yankees

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Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared key injury updates on Saturday morning ahead of the team’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, addressing the statuses of Anthony Rizzo, Clarke Schmidt, and Ian Hamilton.

Rizzo nearing return

Anthony Rizzo, sidelined since June 16 due to a forearm fracture, could soon rejoin the Yankees. Boone indicated that Rizzo may be added to the roster as one of the team’s September call-ups after playing seven innings with Double-A Somerset. Despite going 0-for-3 at the plate, Boone is optimistic about Rizzo’s readiness.

“I haven’t talked to him yet today,” Boone stated. “I want to get with him and make a decision moving forward. From what I’ve heard, everything seems fine, but I want to confirm that with him.”

However, on Saturday, Boone confirmed to Meredith Marakovits that Anthony Rizzo is likely to be activated this Sunday.

Boone dismissed concerns over Rizzo’s minor league performance, where he has gone 2-for-11 with a home run in five games. The focus remains on Rizzo’s physical recovery rather than immediate results. Boone noted that Rizzo has been hitting well during live batting practices and appears mentally prepared for his return. The manager suggested that Rizzo could be activated as soon as Sunday.

Before his injury, Rizzo was batting .223 with eight homers and 28 RBIs over 70 games. His return is expected to provide a significant boost to the Yankees’ lineup as they approach the season’s final stretch.

Schmidt’s path forward

Clarke Schmidt, who has been sidelined since May 26 with a lat strain, made his second rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over three innings. Boone mentioned that Schmidt will throw a side session on Saturday, after which a decision will be made regarding his next steps.

Schmidt is currently scheduled for another rehab start on Monday. However, Boone is weighing whether it’s better for him to continue building up his workload in the minors or to rejoin the team for their series against the Texas Rangers. Boone emphasized the importance of Schmidt’s physical readiness, despite his incomplete buildup to rejoin the rotation.

Schmidt has posted a 5-3 record with a 2.52 ERA and 67 strikeouts over 11 games with the Yankees this season.

Hamilton’s back spasms

Ian Hamilton, rehabbing with Double-A Somerset, was scratched from his scheduled outing on Friday due to back spasms. Boone downplayed the severity of the issue, indicating that Hamilton could potentially play catch before Saturday’s game.

Hamilton has been effective in his rehab appearances, including a perfect 1.1 innings with three strikeouts in his last outing on August 27. His return to the Yankees’ bullpen could be crucial as the team navigates the final month of the season.

As the Yankees prepare for roster expansion, the return of key players like Rizzo, Schmidt, and Hamilton could provide the necessary boost to stay competitive in the postseason race. With these veterans back in action, the Yankees will be better equipped to make a strong push as the season winds down.

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