The New York Yankees will hope to see Anthony Rizzo come back to the rotation fitter and stronger. He has been out since late May with a fracture in his right forearm. Anyway, the ongoing season has not been going great for the first baseman. He had been struggling with his hitting average, but he is still an elite defender at first base. Almost a month remains ahead of the playoffs, and Aaron Boone will look to figure out the right combination.
Will Anthony Rizzo find his place in the playoff rotation after he has been struggling so far this season? On top of that, the Yankees will also have to be mindful of his fitness, as he is coming off a 60-day injury time. He was on the Injured List for a long time. Lately, though, the veteran first baseman seems keen on returning to the Yankees rotation. What would it mean for Boone’s planning for the next few games?
Anthony Rizzo Seems Keen On Helping The Yankees Returning Soon
The Bronx Bombers had plans for rehabbing Anthony Rizzo this week. As per the plans, the veteran first baseman would play the role of the Designated Hitter two more times. Last week, he did the same thing in Portland. And this week the plan was Rizzo would do it for the Somerset Patriots in Double-A. Then, on Thursday, he would talk to the NY side about playing some first. But then, the plan changed. The veteran first baseman was feeling so good in Portland that the team allowed him to play first on Tuesday and Wednesday. On the other hand, the Bronx Bombers are dealing with a consistency issue of the veteran infielder, DJ LeMahieu. But Aaron Boone wants DJ to succeed. However, the fact is that the veteran infielder is only a shell of himself at present.
LeMahieu’s production and result proves that fact. Albeit, the manager is looking for a spark from DJ, Rizzo’s return can send the veteran infielder to the bench. Lately, the veteran first baseman went 2 for 2 with a home run while rehabbing at Somerset, playing first base. Like DJ LeMahieu, Rizzo is also at the last stage of his playing career. In 2024, he played 70 games being healthy and was hitting .223 with eight home runs as well as 28 RBIs. Anthony is playing in his 15th MLB season. He might still be an elite defender who can also use a swing as his advantage against the short field porch in the right field at the Yankee Stadium.
What Can The Pinstripes Expect From The Veteran First Baseman?
The Yankees will hope that the time off will help Rizzo to feel fresh and be impactful down the stretch of the ongoing regular season. This year, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are defining the offensive lineup of the 27-time World Series winners. Anthony Rizzo won’t be another defining factor. However, Aaron Boone can use him for another option. He might just be the option to put DJ LeMahieu on the bench.
On the other hand, the veteran first baseman will try to convince the NY side to keep him next year. Albeit, Anthony has a $17 million club option for 2025, Yankees won’t surely pick that up. However, Brian Cashman and co can show interest in bringing Rizzo back on a one-year deal for a price that’s half of the club option.
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