Fresh injury derails New York Yankees opening day plans. As many as five players have landed on the injury list.
The New York Yankees camp is in major turmoil due to incessant injury concerns. Just about two weeks to the 2023 MLB season opening day, the majority of the starting roster has enrolled themselves on the injury list. The latest prey to the disease is Yankee’s core baseman, Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo is the Bombers’ regular and explosive first baseman.
The Yankees acquired Anthony Rizzo in a trade with the Chicago Cubs during the 2021 MLB trade deadline, hoping he would provide a boost to their lineup. After signing a two-year contract ahead of the 2022 season, the baseman opted out of the deal towards the end of the season. However, due to Aaron Judge’s decision to rejoin the Yanks, Rizzo, his best pal, signed an extension contract with an option for 2025.
Anthony Rizzo’s Back Injury Resurfaces, Set To Miss A Couple Of Games
The New York Yankees’ first baseman, Anthony Rizzo, has been sidelined due to a nagging back issue. The back injury that troubled him multiple times last season resurfaced again. Rizzo felt some discomfort after the home game against the Red Sox. Hence, the front office extended his stay in Tampa, leading him to miss a couple of away games. Furthermore, Yanks manager Aaron Boone provided an update on the issue and gave a timeline for his return.
Aaron Boone said Anthony Rizzo’s back is a bit cranky. However, the skipper stated that its nothing major and did not require any tests. They asked Rizzo to avoid travel and rest his back as much as possible. Moreover, Boone confirmed Rizzo’s comeback for the home game against the Blue Jays. Even though the baseman’s injury is mild at the moment, the front office is keeping a close eye on it, owing to his history with the same injury. With already half a roster down on the injury list, the Bombers certainly cannot afford to lose Rizzo for the opening day.
“It’s not a big deal. He’s (Anthony Rizzo) fine,” said Aaron Boone.
Yankees Center, Harrison Bader To Miss Six Weeks
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees suffered a major blow on the outfield as their regular center fielder, Harrison Bader, went down with an oblique injury. Moreover, after further tests, Bader is being put on six weeks of rehab and can only return once the medical team issues clearance. Bader, who came in the mid-season last year via trade, has been a critical player in the outfield for the Yankees.
On the other hand, Aaron Judge, the Yankees captain for the season, is likely to fill in at the center for Bader, just like last year. Judge gave up his position at the right and played many games at center field before Harrison Bader walked in at the camp. It seems like, this year, too, Aaron will have to step up to rescue the team from this deep hole.
