Anthony Rizzo, the New York Yankees veteran first baseman, saw his past two seasons massively plagued by injuries. This year as well, Rizzo went down with an arm fracture injury that kept him out for two and a half months, i.e., 62 games. While his return was doubtful, Rizzo managed his way up in rehab.
The New York Yankees eventually reinstated Anthony Rizzo on September 1 and he has been a regular starter at first base ever since. However, his offensive numbers aren’t there as the team expected it to be. Infact, the infielder’s performance when healthy is worse compared to his injury riddled season.
Anthony Rizzo Continues To Struggle In Walk Year!
Veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo had a moment of homecoming as the Chicago Cubs welcomed him during the recent series at Wrigley Field. Rizzo was an instrumental part of the Cubs’ championship run in 2016 after having made his debut in 2008. However, as a Yankee, Rizzo continues to show signs of decline. The first baseman saw his last two years get negatively impacted by injuries. Last season, he played through concussion and hit .172 in his last 46 games before eventually quitting the season after August 1. This season, after returning from an arm fracture injury, Rizzo went 5-for-23 with a .217 average and three RBI in seven games. During the Cubs series, Rizzo went 2-for-10 in three games.
Across 99 games this season, Anthony Rizzo is hitting .223 with eight home runs, 31 RBIs and .626 OPS. However, the Yankees’ management believes that a healthy Rizzo can still be a vital contributor to the lineup, citing his veteran presence, leadership qualities, and ability to provide left-handed power at Yankee Stadium. Additionally, the team’s faith in Rizzo is partly based on his track record as a proven performer. Before his injury, he was one of the team’s most reliable hitters, showing power and patience that made him a difficult out. “I feel like he’s playing excellent in the field. I feel like he’s in a pretty good spot, in a spot to really contribute,” Yankee manager Aaron Boone said. While the stats currently paint a bleak picture, the Yanks are betting on Rizzo’s experience, his ability to adjust, and the potential for a bounce-back season with full health.
Gleyber Torres Leads MLB In Most Errors At 2B
New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres has scripted an unwanted record this season as he’s now committed the most errors at second base this season. His latest gaffe unfolded in Yanks 3-0 loss to Chicago Cubs on Sunday. In the first inning, Torres committed a fielding error on a routine ground play, which could have ended the inning.
Gleyber Torres is having a great run in the offense as leadoff hitter. However, his weak defence continues to be an issue for the New York Yankees. Notably, the Yanks are planning on activating infielder Jon Berti from IL this week, which could impact Torres’ playing time if he continues to struggle with the glove at second base.
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