The New York Yankees are preparing to be without first baseman Anthony Rizzo for the American League Division Series.
During the final series of the regular season against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Rizzo fractured two fingers on his right hand after getting hit by a pitch.
The Yankees are keeping him off the 15-day injured list in hopes of a surprise chance he's ready for the ALDS.
Anthony Rizzo injury update
In speaking with reporters Tuesday, manager Aaron Boone didn't have an update in terms of a timeline on Rizzo's injury.
However, he reiterated that Rizzo remains a long shot to be ready for the series, which is set to begin Saturday, Oct. 5.
While Rizzo hasn't been the game-changing slugger of the past, he's looked much better since returning from the
Before he hit the injured list in June due to a fractured arm, Rizzo was hitting .223 with an 81 wRC+. Since he was activated on Sept. 1, Rizzo has a .247 average and 97 wRC+.
With Rizzo unlikely to be ready for the Division Series, it's likely that rookie Ben Rice, who was called up last week, will start at first base. The Yankees also have utility man Oswaldo Cabrera available if needed.
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