In Sunday’s game against the San Diego Padres, Anthony Rizzo, the Yankees’ first baseman, had to leave the contest due to a neck injury he sustained in the sixth inning. The injury occurred when Anthony Rizzo and Fernando Tatis Jr. became entangled as Tatis was trying to get back to first base during a pickoff play at Yankee Stadium. Following the game, manager Aaron Boone provided an update, stating that Anthony Rizzo is “doing well” and that the team will keep a close eye on his condition.
Let’s take a closer look at the specific play that caused the injury to Anthony Rizzo:
Anthony Rizzo’s injury scare
The 33-year-old first baseman had been having a remarkable season leading up to Sunday’s game. Through his first 52 games, Anthony Rizzo boasted an impressive batting line of .303/.376/.507 with an OPS+ of 143. He had already launched 11 home runs and recorded 31 RBIs. Rizzo further contributed to his stellar performance with an RBI single before exiting the game due to injury. According to Baseball Reference’s calculations, Anthony Rizzo’s valuable contributions amounted to an estimated 1.7 Wins Above Replacement.
In response to Anthony Rizzo’s departure on Sunday, the Yankees implemented a series of positional changes. DJ LeMahieu shifted from third base to first base, Isiah Kiner-Falefa transitioned from left field to assume the duties at third base, and Greg Allen, who was recently acquired from the Boston Red Sox, entered the game as the left fielder. At the time of the substitution, the Yankees were enjoying an 8-3 lead, although the Padres managed to narrow the margin in the seventh inning.
The Yankees, who had a 31-23 record entering Sunday’s game and trailed by seven games in the American League East, have been dealing with the absence of several key players. Starting catcher Jose Trevino, third baseman Josh Donaldson, and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton are currently on the injured list, along with starting pitchers Carlos Rodón and Frankie Montas, as well as relievers Scott Effross, Ian Hamilton, Lou Trivino, Tommy Kahnle, and Jonathan Loáisiga. The team has been facing the challenge of overcoming these significant absences.
The Yankees have unfortunately experienced the highest number of days lost to injuries in the league this season, nearing the 700 mark. They lead all MLB teams in this regard. The Mets, their counterparts in New York, are the only other team with over 600 days lost, as reported by Spotrac’s data.
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