The New York Yankees have faced challenges this postseason, particularly with the absence of first baseman Anthony Rizzo. He has been sidelined since the last weekend of the regular season after suffering two fractured fingers from a hit-by-pitch incident during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Due to Rizzo’s injury, the Yankees had to rely on Oswaldo Cabrera and Jon Berti to fill the first base position during the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals. This combination struggled to provide the same offensive impact that Rizzo typically offers.
In an unexpected turn of events, Rizzo has impressed Yankees manager Aaron Boone enough in recent days to earn a spot on the 26-man roster for the upcoming AL Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians. This decision comes as a surprise, given his recent struggles and the severity of his injuries.
Rizzo is not the only player returning; pitcher Marcus Stroman is also back on the roster. However, outfielder Duke Ellis and first baseman Ben Rice were omitted, highlighting the Yankees’ focus on veteran presence for the postseason.
The most shocking element of this roster decision is Rizzo’s role in the ALCS opener. Not only will he be part of the roster, but he is also set to start at first base and bat eighth in Game 1. This move indicates Boone’s confidence in Rizzo’s ability to contribute despite his injuries.
Boone’s decision to trust Rizzo underscores the team’s hope that he can still deliver in crucial moments. The Yankees believe that having Rizzo back in the lineup will strengthen the bottom half of their batting order.
Rizzo’s performance during the 2024 season has not been his best, as he posted a disappointing .228 batting average with a .301 on-base percentage and only eight home runs over 92 games. These numbers raise questions about his effectiveness, especially in high-stakes games.
However, Rizzo brings a wealth of postseason experience to the table. He was a key player in the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series victory against Cleveland, and the Yankees are banking on his veteran savvy to shine through in this series.
Despite the skepticism surrounding his recent form, the Yankees are optimistic that Rizzo can find a way to regain some of his former prowess. His presence in the lineup is seen as vital for the team’s success against the Guardians.
The Yankees will be looking for a significant performance from Rizzo, particularly in light of the team’s recent struggles. His ability to step up in the postseason could be a game-changer for their championship aspirations.
As the Yankees prepare to face the Guardians, all eyes will be on Rizzo to see if he can deliver in this critical matchup. The team’s confidence in him reflects their belief in his potential to impact the series, despite the risks involved with starting an injured player.