Yankees’ Anthony Rizzo to miss AL Division Series because of fractured fingers
Rizzo sustained fractures to his fourth and fifth fingers after being struck by a pitch from Pittsburgh’s Ryan Borucki last Saturday. He mentioned that he was able to hit and field during practice on Friday.
“You don’t really realize which fingers you use to grip your glove until you have two broken ones,” he remarked prior to Saturday’s game.
A three-time All-Star and a 2016 World Series champion with the Chicago Cubs, the 35-year-old recorded a batting average of .228, along with eight home runs and 35 RBIs over 92 games in a season plagued by injuries.
“Pushing through it, I wouldn’t be able to perform at my best, either defensively or offensively,” he stated. “I had to be truthful with myself, and while it is difficult, this team possesses a different aura and energy right now, and I am hopeful to join them in the next round.”
If the Yankees advance, they are scheduled to begin the Championship Series on October 14.
Rookie Ben Rice or Oswaldo Cabrera are expected to take over the starting position at first base against the Royals. Rice, 25, has a batting average of .171 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs in 50 games with the Yankees, including a notable three-homer game against Boston on July 6. As a catcher progressing through the Yankees system, Rice has been receiving guidance from Rizzo.
Rice mentioned that he was engaging in a discussion to gain insights on specific scenarios during fungo drills, asking, “If the ball is hit in this direction or that direction, what should my approach be?”
Cabrera, at 25 years of age, recorded a batting average of .247, along with eight home runs and 36 RBIs over the course of 108 games.
Rizzo indicated that the coaching staff had determined the most effective way to secure his hand within his glove.
“Catching balls at high speeds certainly exacerbates the discomfort more than it ought to,” he remarked. “I am in communication with the medical team, and I am hopeful that in another week or ten days, I will experience a significant improvement.”
Rizzo was sidelined for 62 games due to a fractured right forearm sustained during a collision with Boston reliever Brennan Bernardino on June 16. Following his return from the injured list on September 1, he achieved a batting average of .380 (8 for 21).
“It is certainly not comparable to the condition of my elbow,” Rizzo stated. “I am dedicating literally 20 hours a day to treatment. The trainers and physical therapists have remarked that if individuals in physical therapy school were aware of the extent of my regimen, they would be utterly astonished. While the treatment is beneficial, unfortunately, there simply isn’t enough time.”
SportsLigue