Anthony Rizzo is the newest member on the long list of Yankees players dealing with injuries before the regular season. Is it time to be concerned?
Yankees Star Scratched From Game As Injury Woes Continue
Before the Yankees’ Spring Training game against the Mets, reporter Bryan Hoch posted a message on X that sent panic into the hearts of Bronx Bomber fans around the globe; first-baseman Anthony Rizzo was scratched from the lineup due to injury.
Anthony Rizzo has been scratched from the #Yankees lineup due to a tight lat, club announces.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 22, 2024
This lat-ailment adds to what can only be described as a “wounded march” to the end of Spring Training for Yankees players. New York has dealt with the injury bug in the past few weeks far more than they would care to. Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and DJ LeMahieu were all hurt during the pre-season, and adding their star first-baseman to that list for any length of time would make matters worse for this organization with title aspirations.
So what’s the best that Pinstripes supporters can hope for regarding their beloved lefty slugger?
Rizzo’s Opening Day Status
Luckily, YES clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits gave fans an optimistic update on Rizzo’s availability on opening day.
Anthony Rizzo: “Im fully confident I’ll be in there opening day” added today’s scratch was precaution #yankees
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) March 22, 2024
It’s great news for New York because they would miss his hot bat in their lineup. So far this Spring Training, Rizzo has been a man-possessed—batting .412 with an OPS of 1.188. He’s been playing like he’s got something to prove because maybe he feels he does.
Last year, Rizzo missed significant time after getting concussed early in the season and never found his groove again. It seems he’s returned to form during the offseason, and his great spring is a testament to his hard work in getting back to All-Star caliber play.
He might sit out the rest of Spring Training, but Yankees fans shouldn’t lose sleep over this one. Anthony Rizzo should be ready come opening day.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
