Yankees
Anthony Rizzo hugs Giancarlo Stanton during a recent game. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

The New York Yankees have fought hard against the incessant injury concerns this season. Many key members of the lineup fell on the injury list like a pack of cards. Despite the odds, the team has managed to stay afloat in the American League East Division. They rank third on the standings with a record of 33-23 and .589 percentile.

Meanwhile, the Yankees have received a mixed bag of injury updates prior to Monday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners. Two of their best hitters in the lineup, Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo, have suffered respective injuries, which has become a major cause of concern for the team. While Stanton might be inching closer t a return, Rizzo still remains on edge.

   

Giancarlo Stanton To Begin Rehab Assignment This Week

Giancarlo Stanton
Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning in Game 5 of an American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 18, 2022, in New York. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Powerful hitter Giancarlo Stanton suffered from a hamstring injury in the second week of April. Since then, he has been on the injury list, trying hard to make an early comeback. Stanton left the Yankee clubhouse in his prime. He was hitting .296 with four home runs and 11 RBIs at the time of the injury. Hence, Stanton’s IL stint came in as a huge blow to the team’s offense. Regardless, the DH has been making excellent progress and will soon commence a decisive rehab program this week.

Prior to Monday’s game against Seattle Mariner, the Yankees announced that Giancarlo Stanton would undergo a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset Patriots on Tuesday. It remains unclear at the moment as to how many games the DH would play in the minors. But if rumors are to be believed, the Bronx Bombers are keeping the weekend window open for him. Hence, if Stanton manages to clear the rehab assignment, he could rejoin the Yankees lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Stanton has been a key piece of the Yankees’ offensive lineup. The team faced an offensive slump as soon as he entered IL. Hence, his return will be a welcome sight for the team as well as the fans.

Yankees Bench Anthony Rizzo Against Seattle In The Wake Of Neck Injury

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Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images

On the flip side, the news of Anthony Rizzo‘s neck injury is concerning for the Yankees. Rizzo collided with a Padres hitter on Sunday while trying to tag him out. His head collided with the hitter’s thigh, which left an impact on the baseman’s neck. The Bombers wasted no time and pulled him for the rest of the game. Moreover, the team claimed that the injury was minor, but Rizzo’s latest snub against the Mariner has raised many eyebrows.

The Yankees kept Anthony Rizzo out of the lineup for Monday’s game as a precautionary measure. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Rizzo does not need any more testing and treatment. He should be fine with a couple of days of rest. Hence, the baseman could most likely make a comeback for Tuesday’s game if the Yankees declare him fully fit and healthy. For what it’s worth, neck injuries can be unpredictable and require careful management. The Yankees will need to closely monitor Rizzo’s recovery and ensure that he receives proper treatment and rest to avoid any further complications.