The New York Yankees are in September mode with a 28-man active roster due to roster expansions. Although Yankees fans may not be impressed with Jasson Dominguez being left in the minors, there are some positives. Veteran Anthony Rizzo has made his return from injury and he will play a huge role in this postseason run.
Yankees faithful are on the edge right now, stuck between confused and angered. New York is supposed to be entering September with their best possible team on the field. Meanwhile, their top prospect Dominguez is not on the big-league roster despite a phenomenal showcase in the minors.
One huge breath of fresh air for the Bronx faithful is the healthy and optimistic return of their first baseman. After Rizzo got injured, the club was unsure of his return date. Based on his statistics upon injury, the thought process around the team was that he was either going to be replaced by a call-up or by a trade piece. Neither of those happened, thankfully.
Anthony Rizzo’s Return Has Shown Value as the Team Straps in for September
The Yankees replaced Rizzo with prospect Ben Rice in the interim. Rice was outstanding in the minors and deserved the call to the show; he was the best fit for the job. The rumors surrounding the Yankees trading for a first baseman also didn’t suffice; Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was off the trading block.
Rizzo hadn’t played since June 16th. He was struggling with a .104 batting average in June. The injury may even be the break he needed. The first baseman returned on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals, playing in two games since.
In two showings so far, the Rizzo with the stick we know has peeked out of his shell. In eight at-bats, he’s recorded three hits, three RBI, scoring twice, with a total of five bags. He’s at a .375 batting average with a .375 on-base percentage, and a .625 slugging percentage.
Anthony Rizzo ground-rule 2-RBI double! pic.twitter.com/m4JX6ky06b
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) September 3, 2024
Rizzo’s Veteran Presence and Ability Vital to Yankees’ October Success
Without a doubt, Anthony Rizzo is a guy you want on your postseason roster. The three-time All-Star has postseason experience while facing top-notch competition and high-caliber arms. His ability to shine in big scenarios is a given.
Rizzo is in his 14th major league season; 10 years with the Chicago Cubs, and now his fourth with the Yankees. He adds a great demeanor to the clubhouse in the Bronx. His experience level and baseball IQ are valuable, regardless of any struggles at the plate he may bring.
Rizzo’s left-handed stick shows value when on fire, and he often comes through in big scenarios. His defensive ability is also above satisfactory. Ben Rice is a phenomenal prospect, but his novice experience is not going to equip the 2024 New York Yankees with ring number 28.
If Rizzo stays locked into his game, the entirety of the Yankees order could be unstoppable with the big sticks in the mix. The Rizzo we’re seeing now is a light at the end of the tunnel for the Yankees.
Photo Credit: © Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
