Yankees

The New York Yankees finished the MLB regular season atop the American League standings with a 94-68 record, securing their place in the postseason and earning the luxury of resting during the Wild Card Series. After five days of rest, the team will head into ALDS, step 1 of playoffs.

Meanwhile, as the New York Yankees prepare to return to action for the AL Division Series, they will face the winner of the series between the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals. Their first game is scheduled for October 5 at Yankee Stadium, but the Yanks are yet to finalize their playoff roster.

Anthony Rizzo Fractures His Fingers Ahead Of Playoffs

Yankees, Anthony RizzoUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
With hours left for the American League Division Series, not everything has gone smoothly for Aaron Boone’s squad. In a recent game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, first baseman Anthony Rizzo suffered a significant injury during the seventh inning. Rizzo was hit by a Ryan Borucki slider, which resulted in two fractured fingers on his right hand. This injury raises concerns about his availability for the ALDS, though there is hope that he might return later in the series. For now, Rizzo has been placed on the 10-day injury list, and the team remains cautiously optimistic. The Yankees skipper commented on Rizzo’s situation, saying, “We’ll see how he responds in the next several days before we kick this thing off in a week.”

The New York Yankees’ team physician, Dr. Chris Ahmad, has noted that the injury primarily depends on pain tolerance, meaning Anthony Rizzo’s ability to play will hinge on how well he can manage the discomfort. In Rizzo’s absence, Aaron Boone will need to rotate players at first base. The primary candidates are Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, and Ben Rice. The skipper has emphasized that no definitive decision has been made yet, and the team will monitor Rizzo’s progress in the coming days. Meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo himself remains hopeful about playing in the postseason, stating, “In my mind, yes. In reality, I don’t know. We’ll see,” leaving room for cautious optimism. As the New York Yankees gear up for the ALDS, Rizzo’s potential absence is a concern. However, the team’s depth and Boone’s ability to adjust the lineup will be crucial as they aim for a deep playoff run.

Ben Rice Back In Yankees Playoff Plans

Yankees, Ben RiceAP Photo
Ben Rice’s potential inclusion on the New York Yankees’ postseason roster is a notable development, especially with Anthony Rizzo’s injury. Rice’s strong performance in the minors and his standout game against the Red Sox earlier this year show he’s capable of stepping up in critical moments.

With Aaron Boone considering him as a viable option for first base, it will be interesting to see if Rice can make an impact during the New York Yankees’ postseason run, particularly as they prepare for the AL Division Series starting on October 5. Besides Rice, infielder Jon Berti and utility player Oswaldo Cabrera will also split time at first base.