Seems like lady luck is not on Anthony Rizzo’s side! The New York Yankees’ first baseman faced plenty of setbacks with his broken arm during the summer. And yet again, he broke two fingers on his right hand after getting hit by a pitch from Ryan Borucki on September 28 playing against the Pirates. Plus, Rizzo’s stats, when healthy, weren’t the best, with just 228/.301/.335 over the 375 plate appearances. These are the 35-year-old’s worst numbers since his 2011 rookie campaign stint. But, he is still the New York Yankees’ top choice for the first base position during the postseason.

However, because of Rizzo’s injury, despite his wanting to play in the AL Division Series against the Kansas City Royals, he confirmed he won’t be ready in time. But Yankees fans don’t need to lose all hope about this blowout. Rizzo, with a fourth and fifth finger fractured, is ready to test his limits and push through the pain. The veteran is holding on to the hope of making a comeback sooner than later as the Yankees advance to the AL Championship Series.

Anthony Rizzo is confident to make a comeback soon!

Rizzo’s struggles this season almost mirrored his season in 2023. A concussion had kept him from playing at his best then. He posted a.244/.328/.378 a year ago. Injuries were and are his bane this season too. But Rizzo is a fighter, and ready to bounce back. If this was a regular season, he would have been sidelined for an easy 4-5 weeks, but given it’s postseason, Rizzo’s risk-taking appetite is a little more. And he is confident to contribute to the team.

Rizzo affirmed at first he wasn’t confident, but after some glove work and light hitting, he felt better than expected. Anthony Rizzo shared, “At this time of the year, no one is 100 percent. I’ll be 100 percent with whatever I have. I feel confident with whatever I have to give to that. At this point, it’s just not there. I do feel confident that in the ALCS, I’ll be ready to contribute.” So he admits, even if he isn’t up to MLB standards, he is confident he can make it back for the ALCS on Oct. 14.

In Rizzo’s absence, Ben Rice is expected to take his place. It’s crucial to note that Rice, although has shown flashes of promising performances, hasn’t solidified his position. He has hit just 171/.264/.349 across 50 games. The Yanks had other options, like DJ LeMahieu for the position, but he has been sidelined because of a hip injury. However, no matter who comes, Anthony Rizzo’s veteran leadership and experience will be missed at the season opener.

Brian Cashman warns New York Yankees for October run

The New York Yankees‘ last ten postseason attempts have fallen short of the ultimate victory, leaving the Canyon of Heroes elusive. Brain Cashman knows that no matter how strong the team looks now, it could all unravel in October with a bad game. “I think we have a great opportunity, but we only have a great opportunity if we play our best baseball. I know we have the capabilities, but at the same time I would like to warn that we have had the capabilities many times before.” Cashman said everything from defense, baserunning, offensive hitting, and pitching should be top-notch!

This time around, the Yankees will face the Kansas Royals in the ALDS—a team they have gone 5-2 in the regular season. But the Royals are no pushovers; their starting rotation with potential Cy Young candidates, Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans could give the Yankees lineup a nightmare. More so because the Royals bullpen has been performing better as of late – their ability to limit the Orioles to just one run in their wild-card sweep shows exactly how dangerous they can be on the mound.

The Yankees, led by Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, are hopeful to do good. Team manager, Aaron Boone said, “I think the guys are ready. I think they’re really focused; I think they’re really hungry, and we’re excited to take our shot.” Now, they have had mid-season struggles, but the team can’t afford cold spells in October. Boone knows that the series against the Royals will be tough, and they need to bring their A-game.

The Yankees have to worry because Aaron Judge, whom they are banking on, has a history of not performing his best post-season. Do you think he can change the narrative? Let us know in the comments.