The Yankees are eyeing Anthony Rizzo‘s potential return to the lineup as early as Saturday, though questions linger about which version of the veteran first baseman will show up. The infielder has had a pattern of hot starts followed by prolonged slumps in recent seasons.
Anthony Rizzo’s performance dipped dramatically after a strong start to 2022, carrying over into a difficult 2023 campaign. His struggles were compounded by a freak baserunning incident on June 16 in Boston that left him with a fractured right arm, forcing him out of action.
On Friday night, Anthony Rizzo played his fifth rehab game with Double-A Somerset, where his results have been mixed: two hits in eight at-bats, including a home run. The Yankees are closely monitoring his ability to handle a full game at first base before considering his return to the major league roster.
“Physically, he’s been doing well for several weeks,’’ the Yankees skipper said. “He’s been bouncing back really well.’’
Despite his pre-injury struggles, Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains hopeful that the first baseman can still be a key offensive contributor. Boone emphasized that Anthony Rizzo is feeling physically strong, a positive sign as the team looks to bolster its lineup.
“He says he feels good, which is important,’’ the Yankees manager told on Friday. “I’m excited for what he can bring.”
When asked if Anthony Rizzo can return to being the impactful player he once was, Boone acknowledged the uncertainty but remained optimistic about the player’s potential. He noted that the infielder is determined and eager to make a difference, praising the first baseman’s current mental and physical state.
Boone described Anthony Rizzo as hungry to rejoin the Yankees and highlighted his importance on both sides of the ball. The manager expressed confidence that the Yankees star, if healthy, could provide a much-needed spark.
“We look at him as Anthony Rizzo and hope he can come to be a real cog in our lineup, but we’ll see,” he explained. “I like where he’s at physically and his frame of mind. He’s hungry for it. He’s fighting to get back. I just feel he’s in a good place mentally to hopefully go on a good run for us because we know how important he can be on both sides of the ball for us from a lineup standpoint.”
Yankees expectations from Anthony Rizzo soar
Anthony Rizzo’s return is eagerly awaited as the Yankees look to reinvigorate their offense. The team is banking on the possibility that the veteran can find his rhythm and make a meaningful impact in the final stretch of the season.
Concerns linger over Anthony Rizzo’s return to the Yankees lineup, given his age of 35 and recent injury history. Yet, manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic, noting that he has been physically sound for weeks and is showing strong signs of recovery.
Anthony Rizzo is among several injured Yankees players the team aims to reintegrate in September, alongside Jon Berti, recovering from a calf injury, and Ian Hamilton, who is working his way back from a lat strain.
Since Rizzo’s arm injury in mid-June, the Yankees have struggled with first base production. DJ LeMahieu and Ben Rice have both underperformed in his absence, highlighting the void Rizzo’s absence has left.
Berti, who has been sidelined since late May with a calf strain, could offer much-needed depth at third base, especially given Jazz Chisholm Jr.‘s defensive inconsistencies. His return would be timely, as the Yankees navigate roster adjustments.
The eventual lineup configuration upon the return of Anthony Rizzo and Berti remains uncertain, but Ben Rice is likely to be sent back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Rice was in the lineup for Friday’s game against the Cardinals, facing right-hander Erick Fedde.
LeMahieu’s ongoing offensive struggles have only amplified the need for Anthony Rizzo’s presence in the lineup. Berti, acquired from the Marlins in a three-team trade involving catcher Ben Rortvedt just before Opening Day, could also add versatility upon his return.
The Yankees hope Anthony Rizzo can rediscover the form he displayed after joining the team from the Cubs at the 2021 trade deadline. His return is crucial to bolstering a roster that has lacked consistency at first base, underscoring the significance of his potential resurgence in the season’s final stretch.
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