New York Yankee’s baseman, Anthony Rizzo, has welcomed the new shift restriction rule with open arms as he gets to score more in the upcoming season.
In the 2023 regular season, the MLB looks set to implement three new rules in order to elevate the competitiveness of the game further. One among those three is the shift restriction rule. The rule is designed to promote more action and higher scoring in baseball games by restricting constant shifts from the infield dirt into the outfield. The hitter, especially the left-handers, were most affected by the earlier rule.
Under the new rule, announced in February 2022, teams must field two infielders on each side of the second base at the start of each pitch. The rule is intended to limit the effectiveness of the shift, which has become increasingly popular in recent years as teams try to gain a strategic advantage by positioning their defenders in unconventional ways. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ left-hand baseman is a happy man as the new rule comes into force this season.
Anthony Rizzo Confident Of Scoring More Runs As Shift Restrictions Comes Into Place
For New York Yankees baseman Anthony Rizzo, who is a left-handed hitter, the shift has been a constant obstacle to his success at the plate. His average has dropped significantly since the last two seasons. However, with the new rule in place, Rizzo will have a much easier time finding holes in the defense and getting on base. He will no longer have to face the whole farm of infielders shifting to the right side of the field, which should make him a much more effective hitter.
Furthermore, Anthony Rizzo, who played under the new rule for the first time in spring training, said he felt really good and confident on the plate. He further added that before the shift rule, his every hard hit resulted in an out. But with these restrictions, he can score more runs which is a positive sign for him and the team. However, Rizzo affirmed that his goals have not changed with respect to the changes in rules. He still wants to go out there on the plate and contribute to the team in any way he can.
Anthony Rizzo’s Back Issues Resurfaces Just Ahead Of Opening Day
Meanwhile, for Anthony Rizzo to go out there and exploit the pitcher, he needs to get 100% healthy in the first place. His stiff back, which hampered his 2022 season, has resurfaced just in time for the 2023 season opening day. Rizzo missed the road games and stayed back in Florida to rest his back. Further, since the injury stayed minor, he returned for the home games.
Further updating on the status, Anthony Rizzo said his back will always remain a problem. He has to deal with it for the rest of his life. However, he stays focused on managing it well throughout the season so that it does not hamper his game time. Rizzo is ready to limit his spring training game time to remain healthy for the regular season.
