BRONX, NY: Yankees’ veteran first baseman, Anthony Rizzo, left Sunday’s game against the Red Sox early with an arm injury after being tangled up running down the first base line. It was revealed yesterday that Rizzo could miss 4-6 weeks with a fracture in his arm, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Rizzo will not need surgery.
The first baseman will undoubtedly be placed on the 10-day injured list prior to tomorrow's series opener against the Orioles, even though the Yankees haven't disclosed the diagnosis.
The Yankees corresponding move is calling up C/1B Ben Rice from AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Rice comes in as the Yankees 12th ranked prospect and has slashed .275/.393/.532 with 15 home runs between the AA and AAA levels
Rice had himself an impressive AA year, but really made a name for himself at the AAA level, prompting his late June call up. During Rice’s 49 games with AA Somerset, he slashed .261/.383/.511 with 12 home runs.
Rice’s 11 games at AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre saw him slash an impressive .333/.440/.619 with 3 home runs. Rice has a contact first bat with loads of potential coming in the power department.
Rice’s versatility defensively is seen as valuable. There is no doubt Rice will get some reps at first base while Anthony Rizzo rehabs and there’s chances that Aaron Boone could use the youngster behind the dish..
That brings us to the looming 2024 trade deadline. With Rizzo out for a good chunk of time, it’s easy to assume the Yankees front office will be taking to the trade market quite quickly.
This year, Rizzo had also not had much of an offensive impact. Throughout 291 plate appearances, his batting line of .223/.289/.341 would undoubtedly be his lowest since his shortened rookie season over ten years ago.
コメント