Unfortunately, the New York Yankees will be without Anthony Rizzo when they kick off the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals this Saturday evening.
Rizzo sustained two fractured fingers during last weekend’s series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, ruling him out for the entire series. In his absence, Ben Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera will step in as the starting options for manager Aaron Boone.
The injury occurred when Rizzo was hit by a pitch from Ryan Borucki. Despite initially staying in the game after receiving medical attention from Yankees head athletic trainer Tim Lentych, Rizzo was eventually replaced in the field during the eighth inning.
Although there was initial hope that Rizzo could recover in time for the postseason, the four-time Gold Glove winner confirmed on Friday that his ability to hit and catch was not up to par.
“Gutting through it, I wouldn’t be able to be my best version defensively or offensively,” Rizzo admitted. “I had to be honest with myself, and it’s tough but this team has a different aura right now and a different energy that I’m confident hopefully in the next round to join them.”
Rizzo had previously missed 62 games earlier in the season due to a fractured right forearm. Since his return on Sept. 1, he boasted an impressive batting average of .380 with eight hits and seven RBI.
Throughout his 14-year career, Rizzo has been hit a total of 222 times, making him the eighth-most hit player in MLB history.
If the Yankees manage to advance past the Royals, they will face off in the ALCS starting on Oct. 14.