The New York Yankees are in the midst of offensive turmoil this season. Ever since Aaron Judge got injured, the team, as a whole, suffered immensely. The collective batting average and OPS are at an all-time low with is resulting in heavy losses. To make matters worst, the team’s most trusted and reliable hitter, Anthony Rizzo, is facing one of the worst slumps of his career.
Rizzo last hit a home run in May and shortly after witnessed a record hitless streak. Recently, in the series finale against the Orioles, he went 0-for-4 as a leadoff hitter, further extending his hitless streak. After the game, he addressed the media, looking highly frustrated and talking at length about his struggles on the plate.
Anthony Rizzo Feels He Is Mechanically Off On The Plate!
Since Anthony Rizzo lost his pal, Aaron Judge, to injury, his numbers have dipped dramatically. In a stretch of 33 games, he hit .198 with .767 OPS. Something is off, and the first baseman is trying his best to figure it out. After another hitless outing against the Orioles on Wednesday, Rizzo talked to reporters on the sidelines and explained the reasons behind his offensive slump. The 33-year-old believes that he is mechanically off, which has led to intense frustration. The baseman also feels that he and the team are soaking in a lot of pressure to cover up for Aaron Judge, which is, in turn, taking a toll.
Rizzo frustrated with himself after this K pic.twitter.com/KbdTlwxF7a
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 6, 2023
But Anthony Rizzo admitted that these struggles are a part of being a baseball player. When the pressure is intense and times are tough, it tests your character. Moreover, it’s an opportunity for him to work harder and prove himself all over again. Rizzo is particularly looking to get his swing back. He feels that in the sport of baseball, good swing comes and goes within a blink of an eye. But when he sets, its stays for a while. Hence, the baseman’s focus is to grind to correct the swing mechanically and reposition himself on the plate. Having said that, Anthony Rizzo is confident despite repeated struggles. The veteran promised to return to form sooner or later.
Rizzo Refutes Aaron Boone’s Claims, Confirms Of Being Fully Healthy
While addressing Anthony Rizzo’s struggle on the plate, Yankees manager Aaron Boone also suggested that the neck injury he sustained earlier this season may be affecting his movements on the plate. For those unversed, the baseman collided with a runner on first base and injured his neck. After a few days of rest, he was able to return to the lineup. But his form on the plate has been on the downside ever since.
Responding to this, Anthony Rizzo straightaway refuted the skipper’s claims. He does not think the neck injury has left any residual. He is healthy, and the struggles are a result of him not hitting up to his standards. With playoff contention at stake, it’s now or never for Rizzo. As the team’s reliable and veteran batter, he needs to step up and generate offensive production. In the meantime, the Yankee fans can just hope and pray for the best, as the stretch after the All-Star break would be highly crucial for the team.
