On a day when the New York Yankees were looking to build momentum heading into the postseason, an unforeseen injury to first baseman Anthony Rizzo has thrown a wrench into their plans. Rizzo fractured two fingers on his right hand after being hit by a pitch from Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Ryan Borucki during the seventh inning of a game that ended in a 9-4 loss for the Yankees. The timing of Rizzo’s injury is particularly concerning, as the team is just one week away from its playoff debut. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed caution and a sense of uncertainty regarding Rizzo’s status, emphasizing that his availability hinged on pain tolerance in the days ahead.
This injury compounds what has already been a challenging season for Rizzo, marking 2024 as the lowest offensive season of his illustrious career spanning 14 years. With a batting average of just .228, an on-base percentage of .301, and a slugging percentage of .335, Rizzo’s offensive production has significantly dipped. The veteran first baseman has also fallen short in the power department, tallying only eight home runs across 92 games. This year’s struggles stand in stark contrast to his previous seasons, raising questions about his future with the Yankees, especially considering he has a $17 million team option coupled with a $6 million buyout for the upcoming season.
Rizzo’s troubles didn’t originate from poor performance alone. Earlier in the season, he was sidelined for over two months due to a fractured right forearm sustained during a collision at first base against the Boston Red Sox in June. Despite being activated on September 1, Rizzo exhibited subpar form, with a lackluster .247 batting average and no home runs in the 22 games following his return.
With the uncertainty surrounding Rizzo’s health, Boone has already started considering alternatives should the first baseman be unable to participate come playoff time. Among these options is Ben Rice, previously called up to replace Rizzo after his initial injury. Rice, primarily a catcher, displayed promise early in his major league tenure, including a standout performance where he clobbered three home runs in a single game against the Red Sox. However, Rice’s performance waned as the season progressed, leading to a mid-season option back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, though he did finish his stint there with respectable numbers.
Another name in the mix is utility player Oswaldo Cabrera, who has experience at first base and has already stepped in for Rizzo in the current game. Cabrera boasts a batting average of .247 and a .661 OPS, and he will likely be called upon to fill in at first base should the Yankees need to make adjustments. Boone’s remarks suggest that both Rice and Cabrera will be evaluated closely as the team prepares for its playoff roster.
Boone’s comments reflect a measured approach as the Yankees navigate this injury crisis. “It’s a pain tolerance thing,” he stated, stressing that there are no immediate risks associated with Rizzo playing through the injury. However, this cautious attitude illustrates the depth of Rizzo’s struggles this season, as managerial decisions now carry even more weight when considering how to construct a lineup that can compete in the playoffs.
The Yankees find themselves at a pivotal juncture, balancing the need for veteran presence and experience with the potential for underwhelming offensive output. As they eagerly await updates on Rizzo’s status, the team faces the sobering reality that the absence of top-performing players could dampen their postseason aspirations. In a sport where every play counts, the Yankees must remain vigilant, always prepared for unexpected challenges while hoping for a swift recovery for Rizzo and a successful postseason campaign ahead.
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