Yankees
Anthony Rizzo of the Yankees speaks to the media before a game against the Astros at Yankee Stadium on Thursday. Credit: Jim McIsaac

Anthony Rizzo, the New York Yankees first baseman, endured the worst offensive slumps of his career this season. Following a collision incident with Padres hitter Tatis Jr., Rizzo’s batting average fell below .150 and stayed there for two months. Even a random person with zero understanding of baseball would have been able to tell that something was missing.

   

However, the century-old storied franchise, New York Yankees, failed to pick it up until it was too late. Anthony Rizzo was diagnosed with a concussion for a head injury he sustained two months ago on May 28. Apparently, the concussion symptom developed weeks after the incident and aggravated recently. Subsequently, Rizzo landed in IL and has apparently been making positive progress.

Anthony Rizzo “Headed In Right Direction” As He Recovers From Concussion

Yankees
Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo stumbles after hurting his neck from a bump by Fernando Tatis Jr. Robert Sabo for the NY Post

In one of the most bizarre incidents of the 2023 MLB season, New York Yankees’ baseman Anthony Rizzo landed on IL with a concussion injury that dates back to May 28. The veteran has been diagnosed with “post-concussion syndrome,” which led to episodes of fogginess and memory loss. Rizzo noticed his reaction time going down and often woke up feeling hungover with zero alcohol consumption. Moreover, as the issues aggravated, he reported it to the Yanks camp, who immediately scheduled a concussion test for the baseman. The rest is history. The baseman is currently placed on a 15-day IL without any set return timeline. However, he is traveling with the team on the ongoing road trip.

Despite the injury diagnosis, Anthony Rizzo has not stopped moving. He is playing catch and throwing balls in the weight room. Moreover, Rizzo recently had a session with a neurologist on Thursday, and the test results suggest that he is moving in the right direction. Further updating on the recovery status, the Yankee veteran said that he has been playing through a concussion for months. Hence, it is unrealistic to expect it to heal in a week. Having said that, the baseman has definitely felt positive signs of progress. Moreover, Rizzo’s reaction time has also gotten a little better, which suggests that the treatment regime is working well. The Yankees are still treating this as a week-to-week injury. For now, Anthony Rizzo will have to continue his supplement intake and weekly visits to the doctor’s clinic.

Yankees Veteran Unable To Avoid Injury Scare

DJ LeMahieu
In a questionable strategic decision, DJ LeMahieu attempted a bunt with runners on the corners in Monday’s contest against the Orioles. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Meanwhile, another New York Yankees key veteran baseman DJ LeMahieu is facing an injury scare. He was scratched out of Wednesday’s lineup vs. Chicago White Sox with calf tightness. Moreover, DJ also missed the game on Friday against the Miami Marlins. Amid uncertainties, manager Aaron Boone shared crucial updates on LeMahieu’s health status.

The third baseman apparently underwent an MRI scan, which ruled out a strain. However, LeMahieu is still experiencing some cramps, which have forced the Yankees to treat it as a day-to-day injury. Aaron Boone is still unsure of the baseman’s return for Saturday’s game vs. Marlins. In the most likely scenario, DJ could come off the bench if necessary.