Yankees Star Suffers on-Field Injury
In a recent game that ended in a 9-3 loss for the Yankees, star player Anthony Rizzo exited with a right lower arm injury. The incident occurred in the seventh inning when Rizzo collided with Red Sox reliever Brennan Bernardino at first base. What followed was a tense moment on the field as Rizzo, unable to rise immediately, seemed to be in pain.
Collision That Caused Concern
While attempting to run out a groundball, Rizzo collided with Bernardino after the pitcher missed a throw. Their hips clashed, and Rizzo landed awkwardly on his arm, holding his wrist area as he lay on the ground. Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, expressed his concern about Rizzo’s visible discomfort.
The X-Ray Examination
After the game, Rizzo was not in a position to comment. However, an initial low-grade X-ray known as a fluoroscope came back clean, said Boone. Nonetheless, Rizzo will be visiting team physicians and undergo further imaging in New York on Monday during the Yankees’ off day.
Assessing the Extent of the Injury
Rizzo’s injury raised alarm given his recent improved performances. This follows a two-game benching and his subsequent return to the lineup on June 11. Between June 12-15, Rizzo’s play was notable with a batting average of .364, including one home run and three RBI. However, Sunday’s incident left him quite banged up.
Rizzo’s Struggles Continue
Once a vibrant player, Rizzo has had his fair share of on-field collisions. He had a collision with the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. last season which left him with post-concussion symptoms. Unfortunately, these went undiagnosed for two months and Rizzo hasn’t been the same player since. Rizzo insists however, that he has moved past the concussion and was generally in good health during his recent slump.
Who Can Replace Rizzo?
If Rizzo misses out on a number of games due to his injury, the Yankees have multiple internal options to consider. DJ LeMahieu could take over first base, creating more opportunities for Oswaldo Cabrera at third.
Looking Towards the Future
Two promising prospects at Triple-A, Ben Rice and T.J. Rumfield, could also step up. However, neither is currently on the 40-man roster, and Rice also has limited experience at first base and playing at Triple-A. Therefore, a fringe player such as Kevin Smith might be considered as a backup option due to his previous stints with the major league squad.
Trade Rumors Swirl
Even before the unfortunate collision, the Yankees were rumored to be considering trading for a corner infielder due to Rizzo’s poor offensive numbers. Another possibility could be acquiring someone from an outside organization given the circumstances.
The Yankees’ next moves will greatly depend on the extent of Rizzo’s injury and how long he’ll need to recover. What’s certain, however, is that both fans and teammates are hoping for the best outcome, vividly showing Rizzo’s importance to the team.