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Anthony Rizzo: Battling Timing, Mechanics Amid Slump, Poises For a Comeback

SportsAnthony Rizzo: Battling Timing, Mechanics Amid Slump, Poises For a Comeback

Struggling Yankees’ first baseman, Anthony Rizzo, remains confident and has assured fans that better performance is on the horizon, despite a continuing slump in his performance statistics. Rizzo has battled timing and mechanical issues affecting his hitting since late April, leading to dismal results and disappointing metrics, but maintains a positive and determined attitude.

Persistent Issues with Performance

Rizzo’s performance has suffered in recent weeks, leading to a disappointing .181/.236/.248 slash line since April 29. In spite of this, Rizzo asserts that his swing will soon improve, revealing, “I feel like it’s close to clicking, actually. I know it may not look like it, but I do feel like it’s close.”

Period of Underperformance

Significant underperformance has plagued Rizzo since the start of June, which culminated in Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager, contemplating benching the 34-year-old for the Yankees’ series finale against the Dodgers and their Monday opener in Kansas City. This period of struggle isn’t new for Rizzo. Last year, he battled undiagnosed post-concussion symptoms, resulting in a setback of his 2023 campaign.

Rizzo’s Battle with Timing

According to Yankees hitting coach James Rowson, Rizzo’s timing isn’t quite right, which has been a significant factor affecting his ability to hit effectively. “If you’re on time consistently, what happens is, you’re able to get off your swing consistently the way you want to,” Rowson explains. Yet, Rizzo’s timing issues are negatively impacting his swing, derailing his performance metrics significantly.

Metrics Suggest Room for Improvement

Rizzo is not oblivious to his struggling metrics, admitting, “When you’re not doing what you’re accustomed to doing, everything’s gonna be down.” His current metrics ranks in the bottom 25th percentile for numerous metrics, signifying the lack of quality contact. Yet, Rowson insists that Rizzo’s poor timing is merely a “huge factor” and not reason enough to panic about Rizzo’s numbers.

Rizzo Handling the Pressure

Alex Verdugo, Boston Red Sox outfielder, and Boone have both commented on Rizzo’s mental state. Verdugo suggested that Rizzo is “a little bit in his head,” a sentiment Boone echoes, albeit noting that Rizzo seems to be handling the slump well. In response, Rizzo maintains that he’s been using this period for internal reflection and mental grinding to prepare for a comeback.

Future Comes with Uncertainties

Yet, if Rizzo’s performance doesn’t pick up in the coming weeks, it remains unclear what the Yankees’ management will decide. DJ LeMahieu, who played first base on Sunday, alongside Triple-A players Ben Rice and T.J. Rumfield, could potentially replace Rizzo. There are rumors circling about possible trades involving the Yankees for a corner infielder, bringing players like Ryan McMahon into the conversation.

Staying Optimistic

Despite these challenges, Rizzo remains optimistic about his performance, sharing, “Life will always humble you and even you out.” He insists that physical capacity and talent for the game are intact and that current issues are temporary. Rowson echoes the sentiment stating, “better days are coming, and we’ll get past this.” Rizzo’s determination, hard work, and relentless optimism show a player ready to fight his way back into form, and fans are eagerly waiting for his comeback.

 

 

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