The New York Yankees have been struggling this season, and the loss of Anthony Rizzo to a fractured radial neck of his right arm is a significant blow to the team. Rizzo, who has been posting his worst numbers as a big leaguer this season, was starting to show signs of improvement during the Yankees’ recent road trip. His absence will leave a void in the lineup, and the team will need to make adjustments to cope with his loss.
The injury occurred when Rizzo collided with Boston Red Sox pitcher Brennan Bernardino while running out a ground ball in the seventh inning. Although the injury will not require surgery, Rizzo is expected to miss four to six weeks as he recovers from the fracture. The team confirmed the news after tests were conducted, revealing the extent of the damage. Rizzo’s impact on the team both defensively and offensively will be sorely missed during his absence.
Without Rizzo in the lineup, the Yankees will need to shuffle their defense to fill the gap at first base. One option could be moving DJ LeMahieu from third base to first, with Oswaldo Cabrera playing third. The team finished a recent game with this defensive alignment after Rizzo’s injury. While LeMahieu has primarily played second base this season, he has experience at first base and could provide a solid replacement for Rizzo during his absence.
Infielder Oswald Peraza is also being considered as an option to take Rizzo’s spot on the active roster. Despite struggling across three minor league levels this season, Peraza has previous major league experience and is already on the 40-man roster. Another potential replacement is Ben Rice, who has shown versatility by playing catcher and first base this season. Rice has been productive in the upper minors, batting .275 with 15 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. TJ Rumfield, a first baseman who is slashing .305/.370/.441 with five home runs in the minors, could also be considered for a call-up to the major leagues.
The injury to Anthony Rizzo is a setback for the New York Yankees as they continue to navigate a challenging season. Rizzo’s absence will test the team’s depth and ability to adapt to changes in the lineup. The coming weeks will be crucial for the Yankees as they look to remain competitive in the American League. As a key player goes down with injury, the team will need to rally together and find ways to overcome this hurdle.
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