Anthony Rizzo Injury Update: Aaron Boone provides positive update on 3X All-Star's recovery from fractured arm
The New York Yankees might see reinforcements at first base after a positive update on Anthony Rizzo's recovery. Rizzo has been out since mid-June due to a fractured arm.
Rizzo recently took part in some batting practice against live pitching on Tuesday, suggesting a possible return sooner rather than later. Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided an update on the three-time All-Star's recovery on Tuesday (via MLB.com):
“[Rizzo] feels really good,” Boone said.
Although his arm has not healed completely, the veteran has taken on additional exercises in the rehab process and has been working on fielding and throwing as well.
However, Boone was skeptical of reports on Rizzo's nearing return, as he said the arm is not completely healed yet:
“If that thing was totally healed, where he is right now, he’d be out playing … But we’ve got to make sure that heals to a certain level,” he added.
For the Yankees, Rizzo's return to the lineup could require Boone to make a lot of adjustments. For now, they have Ben Rice playing first base with DJ LeMahieu also taking up the duties occasionally. However, the latter has once again shifted to third owing to Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s latest injury setback.
Nonetheless, Rizzo is a high-caliber player having seen postseason success before. His addition would certainly be a boost, despite him only hitting .223 this year before injury.
What happened to Anthony Rizzo?
Rizzo injured his arm while hustling to first base against the Boston Red Sox in the series finale in June.
Rizzo collided with Red Sox pitcher Brennan Bernardino and tumbled upon collision. Rizzo was seen in pain right away, as Yankees medical staff attended to him. He was subsequently taken out of the game and replaced by Oswaldo Cabrera as pinch runner.
Initially, the first baseman suspected the injury to be on his wrist, but the fracture was in fact to his right elbow.
The expected recovery time was set at about six to eight weeks. Anthony Rizzo was added to the 60-day injured list as a result, with Ben Rice replacing him on the roster.