The New York Yankees found a missing link at first base as Anthony Rizzo witnessed a slump earlier this season. He had a .630 OPS when a collision with a Red Sox relief pitcher broke his arm. After multiple scans, Rizzo accepted his fate and moved to the injury list for a long layoff.
Having said that, rookie prospect Ben Rice has filled Anthony Rizzo’s void at first base beautifully. However, Rizzo understands that the New York Yankees will eventually need him in the playoffs and hence, he is working on his recovery to ensure an early and speedy minor league rehab assignment.
Anthony Rizzo Itching To Score Runs For Yankees
Anthony Rizzo, the New York Yankees’ first baseman, is eager to return to action after a two-month layoff due to an arm fracture. Rizzo succumbed to a concerning slump before a nasty collision at Fenway Park broke his arm. Initially, the infielder didn’t expect a long layoff. However, scans disclosed that the slugger had indeed fractured his arm, leading to an eight-week layoff. Since then, Anthony Rizzo has been slowly building up. He recently resumed hitting and taking grounders. While manager Aaron Boone stated that Rizzo is still weeks away from returning to full-time action, the first baseman is confident of an early comeback. He revealed on Sunday that an arm scan is scheduled for this week.
If the latest scan comes back clean, Anthony Rizzo will be eligible for a minor league rehab assignment. While Rizzo is feeling great physically, he understands that his return needs to be impactful, as the regular season will conclude in six weeks. Rizzo added that while he does not necessarily have to hit home runs and RBIs daily, he must record hits and consistently create scoring opportunities. “This team needs me to be better than I was. I want to be able to contribute. I don’t want to just be here,” Rizzo said. Having said that, the New York Yankees have so far been non-committal on the first baseman’s timeline. Moreover, the first base remains occupied by DJ LeMahieu as Jazz Chisholm Jr is playing everyday at third. Hence, it’s highly likely that Anthony Rizzo will have to split time with LeMahieu at first upon return from an arm fracture injury.
Trent Grisham Leaves Field After Getting Hit By Pitch Vs Rangers
Meanwhile, injury woes have only intensified for the New York Yankees as during the doubleheader against Texas Rangers, outfielder Trent Grisham was forced out of the game. In the fourth inning, Grisham was hit by Rangers reliever Brock Burke on the left hand, and he was replaced by Oswaldo Cabrera in the offence.
Jazz Chisholm Jr took reps at center field for the rest of the game as Trent Grisham was sent for CT scans and X-Rays. Later, the Yankees confirmed that the outfielder being treated for left hand contusion and the scans have come back negative, meaning any bone or ligament damage is ruled out. However, the team is yet to confirm a return timeline.
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