Injuries have continued to derail the New York Yankees campaign since the start of the 2023 season. It has so far been the major contributor to Yankee’s failure. Moreover, the offense was hit the hardest as the team went through a dry run at the plate. Under such grave circumstances, one hitter kept the team’s boat afloat. He is none other than explosive first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
Anthony Rizzo, who signed a two-year extension deal this off-season, has been the offensive backbone of the team this season. He is the Yankee to have played the most number of games season which accounts for 53. In those 53 appearances, he scored .304 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in total. However, a recent injury scare during a game against San Diego Padres sent shockwaves into the Yankees fandom.
Anthony Rizzo Suffered A Head Injury After Collision With Fernando Tatis Jr
The New York Yankees faced San Diego Padres for the rubber game on Sunday. The Yankees made a solid comeback after losing the series opener. In the second game, stretched till the 10th inning, Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s heroic walk-off saved the day for the Bronx Bombers. Further, during the rubber game, Yankees starter Gerrit Cole had a rough day as he ended up leaking five runs in six innings. Fortunately, the offense led by Aaron Judge, Harrison Bader, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa saved the day. Meanwhile, the Bombers suffered a major injury scare in the sixth as baseman Anthony Rizzo collided with Padres hitter Fernando Tatis Jr.
Yankees get a strike em out throw em out double play but Rizzo is in a lot of pain pic.twitter.com/ibu6e0myVA
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) May 28, 2023
Tatis drove a single and made a run to first base. Rizzo, stationed at his position, grabbed the ball to tag Fernando. However, the duo collided in the process, and Anthony Rizzo banged his head on Tatis’ thigh. The baseman stumbled a few steps before eventually taking a knee. He looked visibly in pain as the Yankees medical team rushed to the field to provide immediate treatment. After a few concussion checks, the team pulled Rizzo out for the rest of the game and sent him for necessary checks. Team manager, Aaron Boone, provided an update shortly after the game and said Rizzo was pulled out for precautionary reasons and he is absolutely fine. Still, the management will keep an eye on him to see if it’s a case of a possible concussion.
Rizzo Slammed Crucial RBI Single Before Leaving The Field Due To Injury
Despite the game being cut short due to injury, Yankee’s first baseman Anthony Rizzo did not leave without contributing. The team scored seven runs in the third inning, wherein Rizzo contributed with an important RBI single. The single further strengthened the Yankees’ lead as they went on to seal the game by 10-7, thus winning yet another series.
Speaking of Rizzo’s physical toughness, his pal, Aaron Judge, referred to him as a tough guy. Judge added that Rizzo has a reputation for being the batter who gets most hit by pitches. Hence, a little knock on the neck won’t affect him too much. Well, the captain is just stating facts. So far in his career, Anthony Rizzo has been hit 207 times by pitches, which is the most among the active players in MLB currently. Regardless, the fans would hope for Rizzo’s timely return as he remains a key part of the offensive lineup.