The New York Yankees finished the 2024 season with a record of 94 wins and 68 losses, which was good enough for the best record in the American League.
With the best record in the American League, the Yankees secured a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Avoiding that first wild-card series might prove even more valuable than just the bye itself.
The Yankees lost a key piece in their lineup on Saturday in a 9-4 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Yankees Manager Aaron Boone gave an update on Anthony Rizzo’s injury and his status for the American League Division Series.
Aaron Boone on Anthony Rizzo. pic.twitter.com/TGVfnXylv9
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 1, 2024
Rizzo was struck in the hand by a pitch by Pirates pitcher Ryan Borucki which caused a fractured finger on his right hand.
Boone explains that Rizzo is still in the treatment phase of his injury and has not tested any baseball activities out yet.
With the fractured finger, it appears that it will come down to pain tolerance on whether or not Rizzo can play in the American League Division Series.
Rizzo had somewhat of a down year with the Yankees in 2024 as he batted .228 with 8 home runs, 35 runs batted in, and a .637 on-base plus slugging percentage in 92 games played.
Although his stats don’t leap off the page, Rizzo has plenty of playoff experience with 49 career postseason games played.
In the 49 playoff games, Rizzo is batting .218 with 9 home runs, 27 runs batted in, and a .724 on-base plus slugging percentage.
The Yankees will hope to get some positive news regarding Rizzo later on this week.
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