Anthony Rizzo took a crucial step toward rejoining the Yankees on Friday night, setting up a potential return in early September. The seasoned first baseman, who has been out of action for over two months due to a fractured right forearm, began his rehabilitation assignment with Double-A Somerset in Portland, Maine. In his first game back, Rizzo went 0-for-1 but drew two walks and scored a run.
Rizzo’s rehab plan includes serving as the designated hitter for at least his first four games, set for Friday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The Yankees hope he will begin playing on the field by the following weekend.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone discussed Rizzo’s progress before Friday’s 3-0 win over the Rockies at Yankee Stadium. Boone expressed optimism, noting that Rizzo looked strong during recent live batting practice sessions. He also hinted that Rizzo might not need much time playing in the field during his rehab, raising the possibility of Rizzo rejoining the Yankees during their early September road trip through Texas and Chicago.
Before his injury on June 16 at Fenway Park, the Yankees first baseman had a .223 batting average and a .630 OPS over 70 games. While his numbers were modest, Rizzo’s experienced left-handed bat could be a key asset for the Yankees as they head into the final stretch of the season.
In Rizzo’s absence, the Yankees initially saw promise from rookie Ben Rice, though his production has declined over the past month. DJ LeMahieu has also struggled at the plate. The impact of Rizzo’s absence is clear: since his injury, Yankees first basemen have combined for a .574 OPS, the second-lowest in the majors during that time.
Rizzo’s return could provide the offensive boost the Yankees need, offering stability to the lineup as they push toward the season’s end.
Schmidt nears Yankees return
Clarke Schmidt took a significant step in his recovery on Friday night, starting his rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset. The right-hander, sidelined since May 27 due to a lat strain, delivered an encouraging performance, pitching 3 ²/₃ innings. Schmidt threw 48 pitches, striking out six while issuing just one walk. The only hit he surrendered was a solo home run.
After the game, Schmidt expressed confidence in his health and satisfaction with his pitch execution, marking the outing as a crucial milestone in his comeback. He anticipates making his next start on Wednesday as he eyes a return to the Yankees’ rotation in September. Before his injury, Schmidt had been a standout in the rotation, posting a 2.52 ERA across 11 starts.
The Yankees’ pitching depth has been tested recently with multiple injuries. Luis Gil was placed on the injured list on Wednesday due to a lower back sprain, though he was able to play catch on Friday. In response to these challenges, the Yankees have called up Will Warren, who is set to start Saturday’s game against the Rockies. This move provides Marcus Stroman with an additional day of rest before his scheduled start on Sunday.
Berti misses game following travel issues
Meanwhile, Jon Berti, who is recovering from a calf strain, was initially expected to begin his rehab assignment alongside Schmidt and Anthony Rizzo at Somerset on Friday. However, travel issues disrupted his plans. Berti’s Thursday night flight to Portland was canceled, and his luggage was delayed on Friday. Consequently, the Yankees player opted for a workout on Friday, with his rehab assignment now slated to start on Saturday.
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