When Anthony Rizzo broke two fingers at the end of the regular season, it looked like the Yankees would be without one of their star players for a while.
Most players would sit out for a few weeks to recover from such an injury.
But Rizzo? He came back in just 16 days. It’s a pretty amazing story of grit and determination.
Rizzo made his return during the American League Championship Series (ALCS), stepping back into the lineup as if he hadn’t been injured at all.
His return wasn’t just about playing the game—it was about showing how much he wanted to help his team and how hard he was willing to push himself for a chance at another World Series title.
- Anthony Rizzo returned to the Yankees lineup just 16 days after fracturing two fingers, showing his dedication to the team’s playoff run.
- Although he missed the ALDS, Rizzo’s return in the ALCS gave the Yankees a boost both in defense and leadership.
- Rizzo’s experience and veteran skills made him an important part of the Yankees’ playoff push, even as he continued to deal with the effects of his injury.
How Rizzo Pushed Through Pain to Play in the ALCS
Rizzo suffered the injury on September 28, when he was hit by a pitch during the Yankees’ final regular-season series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
With two fractured fingers, he missed the AL Divisional Series (ALDS) against Kansas City.
Although he was hopeful of playing, Rizzo ultimately decided not to push himself, admitting that he wouldn’t be able to perform at his best.
As Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained, “It was more a little bit of his conviction and the trainers feeling like he was in a good spot.”
Rizzo’s return for the ALCS was driven by a combination of his own persistence and the confidence of the team’s medical staff.
He wore a special brace with extra padding to protect his injured hand during play but was still mindful of the pain.
Before Game 1, Rizzo knew that pain would be a factor, but he was determined to play through it for the team’s good.
He stated confidently, “The 50,000 people in the stands and the adrenaline and what’s at stake is going to outweigh any pain I’ll be feeling.”
His resolve would be put to the test.
Rizzo’s Performance in His First Game Back
In his first at-bat, Rizzo hit a single to center field, proving he could still be productive at the plate despite not having faced live pitching since his injury.
Later in the game, he drew a walk, helping the Yankees score during an important three-run inning.
On defense, Rizzo showed no signs of rust until the top of the eighth inning, when he failed to field a ground ball, leading to a run for Cleveland.
By the ninth inning, Boone decided it was best to pull Rizzo from the game, bringing in Oswaldo Cabrera at first base. Despite the switch, the Yankees held on for the win.
This led to some speculation—was it the injury? Was it something else?
Boone clarified afterward that Rizzo was just “kind of physically and emotionally spent there late in the game.”
It’s not surprising, considering he hadn’t played in weeks.
Rizzo himself seemed in good spirits afterward, telling reporters he expected some discomfort, but the atmosphere at Yankee Stadium would keep him going.
As for Boone, he was pleased with Rizzo’s overall performance, saying, “He was sharp, which was really good to see.”
But it was clear that they’d have to keep a close eye on him for future games.
The decision to play Rizzo paid off, and the Yankees were encouraged by his contributions on both sides of the ball.
Rizzo, known for his toughness, had already endured a fractured forearm earlier in the season, which kept him out for over two months.
Returning from injury has been a recurring theme in his 14-year career, but this time, the stakes were higher, with a potential World Series in sight.
Why the Yankees Chose to Play Rizzo Despite His Injury
The Yankees survived the ALDS without Rizzo by relying on players like Oswaldo Cabrera and Jon Berti to fill the void at first base.
Both performed well, but the Yankees valued Rizzo’s veteran leadership and experience, particularly in the postseason.
Rizzo is one of only two active Yankees who have won a World Series, a feat he accomplished with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
His presence on the field is as important mentally as it is physically for a team aiming to go deep into October.
Boone was clear that Rizzo’s activation for the ALCS wasn’t just about numbers.
Rizzo’s ability to play through pain, combined with his experience, made him a critical piece for the Yankees.
At 35, Rizzo understands the fleeting nature of opportunities like these.
“The clock is only ticking on my age and getting older,” Rizzo said.
“You never know when you’re going to have an opportunity to play for a pennant again.”
As for his future, Rizzo has a $17 million team option for next season, with a $6 million buyout.
His postseason performance may influence whether the Yankees exercise that option, but for now, he focuses squarely on helping the team win another championship.
What’s Next for Rizzo and the Yankees in the ALCS?
With Game 1 in the books, the Yankees and Rizzo will monitor his hand closely.
He admitted that he’s still in some pain, and how he responds physically after the game will determine whether he can continue in the lineup.
Yet, his Game 1 performance suggests that, despite the injury, Rizzo is still capable of making significant contributions.
If Rizzo can maintain this level of play, his presence will be invaluable as the Yankees continue their quest for a World Series title.
His leadership, defensive skills and clutch hitting could be the difference-maker as the Yankees face the Cleveland Guardians in what promises to be a tough series.
