New York Yankees veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo battled a concussion injury this off-season to bounce back well into the 2024 MLB season. It was a major sigh of relief as Rizzo has been a reliable hitter for the Yanks since getting traded off the Cubs in 2018.
However, Anthony Rizzo’s initial surge in the season didn’t last long, as the first baseman witnessed a slump on the plate. On top of that, his latest snags in defense are further raising questions about Rizzo’s effectiveness, with a crucial team option clause coming up.
Anthony Rizzo’s Faulty Miscue Leads To Yankees 4-3 Loss Vs Angels
The New York Yankees seemed invincible when they landed in Anaheim for a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. However, a defensive horror from first baseman Anthony Rizzo availed a lifeline to the Angels as they sealed a ninth-inning thriller game. The pivotal moment occurred in the bottom of the eighth inning when the Angels were training 2-3. The Angels had runners on first and second with two outs when a routine ground ball was hit to Rizzo. However, Rizzo slid, and the ball bounced off his glow as the Angels extended the inning. That forced skipper Aaron Boone to bring out closer Clay Holmes early into the eighth inning instead of starting fresh in the ninth inning. Holmes ended up allowing a two-run double as the Angels entered the ninth inning with a 4-3 lead.
Anthony Rizzo accepted his mistake and took the blame for the loss. “That play needs to be made,” Rizzo admitted. He said that Holmes should have never been in that position, and he is not to be blamed for allowing 2 runs in the eight innings. Notably, this isn’t the first time the first baseman has had a brain fade moment in the field. Last week in San Diego, Rizzo fumbled a bunt hit as the Padres advanced from a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead that became a 5-2 victory. Interestingly, Anthony Rizzo’s contract runs out by the end of the year. He has a team option for the year 2025. But if the infielder continues to make such gaffs, his odds of seeking an extension might start to fall down. It’s time for Anthony Rizzo to gather himself and avert such defensive mishaps in the future.
DJ LeMahieu Makes Season Debut Vs Angels
New York Yankees veteran third baseman DJ LeMahieu finally made his season debut against the Los Angeles Angels after an injury layoff of 2 months. He got hit on the foot during spring, and a rehab setback further delayed his recovery. However, the West Cost trip finally saw the sight of LeMahieu.
While DJ LeMahieu retained his defensive position as third baseman, he was pushed down to no.9 in the hitting lineup. He was earlier supposed to be the Yankees’ leadoff hitter. But his injury promoted Anthony Volpe to the top, and the kid grabbed the opportunity from both ends. Hence, LeMahieu will have to settle at the bottom for the near future.
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