Anthony Rizzo injury: Yankees provide update in recovery from arm fracture

Kevin Hickey

Anthony Rizzo injury: Yankees provide update in recovery from arm fracture image

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo is still working his way back nearly two months after suffering a fractured arm.

The 34-year-old lefty has been on the injured list since he suffered the injury during the June 16 loss to the Boston Red Sox when he collided with reliever Brennan Bernardino trying to beat out a ground ball to first base.

Manager Aaron Boone told reporters before Wednesday's doubleheader that the Yankees are still "at least a few weeks off" from having to make a decision about Rizzo.

The latest update in terms of his recovery included Rizzo taking live at-bats against Clarke Schmidt, who is also on his way back.

The Yankees are currently using a platoon at first base between veteran DJ LeMahieu and rookie Ben Rice. While Rice has been the better overall hitter against righties (113 OPS+), the rookie has struggled mightily against lefties (56 OPS+).

Though, LeMahieu hasn't fared much better against righties (.551 OPS) or lefties (.445 OPS) this season. Lately, LeMahieu has been a late-inning defensive sub.

Rizzo had been struggling for the majority of the season leading up to the series in which he suffered the injury. His month of June was horrendous with a .104 batting average, one home runs and .373 OPS in 54 plate appearances.

The Yankees will be faced with an interesting decision considering the lack of consistency they've gotten from the first base position, but it seems that decision won't be made at least for the next few weeks.

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Kevin Hickey

Kevin Hickey Photo

Hickey was previously the managing editor of USA Today's Colts Wire. His work is also featured as a fantasy football analyst for The Huddle. A career .232 hitter, he is an avid reader of Spider-Man comics, an admirer of the James Webb Space Telescope, and a keen enthusiast of Ma’s sauce. You can find him on Twitter/X @KevinHickey11