Anthony Rizzo is continuing to compete despite dealing with two broken fingers on his right hand, although the swelling is starting to decrease. The experienced first baseman is relying on adrenaline as the New York Yankees strive for their first World Series championship since 2009.
“The primary focus is to reduce the swelling between games,” Rizzo shared on Wednesday prior to the Yankees’ departure to Los Angeles. “The swelling can intensify due to pressure, even though the bones remain fractured. Managing the swelling has been crucial, and hopefully, we’ll navigate through this series effectively.”
This marks Rizzo’s second appearance in the World Series and his first since he played a pivotal role in 2016, achieving a .360 batting average and catching the final out from Kris Bryant as the Chicago Cubs ended a 108-year championship drought by defeating Cleveland in a dramatic seven-game series.
After experiencing five consecutive losses in the American League Championship Series, including a four-game sweep against the Houston Astros last year, New York is eager to reclaim its spot. The Yankees benefited from Juan Soto’s dramatic three-run home run in the 10th inning during Game 5 and Giancarlo Stanton’s MVP accolade—he smashed four homers in the postseason—while Rizzo also made noteworthy contributions at bat in leading the team back to the World Series.
Despite his injuries, Rizzo has maintained an impressive batting average of .429 (6 for 14), marking his highest performance in any postseason series, as well as the best by a Yankee in the ALCS since Alex Rodriguez matched that average against the Angels in 2009.
“Just take each day as it comes,” Rizzo advised. “The adrenaline keeps me going. We’re trying our hardest to manage the swelling, wrapping it up between innings and at-bats. It’s all about focusing on one pitch at a time, one at-bat at a time on defense. Given what’s at stake during the games, I don’t feel much discomfort.”
Rizzo missed the Yankees’ Division Series victory over the Royals after sustaining injuries to his fourth and fifth fingers after being hit by a pitch from Pittsburgh’s Ryan Borucki on September 28. The Yankees chose not to place him on the 10-day injured list, fearing it would disqualify him from participating in the ALCS. Instead, he received treatment while still practicing his hitting with pitching machines while Jon Berti and Oswaldo Cabrera filled in at first base during the four-game series.
In the ALCS, Rizzo batted eighth in the initial two games before moving up to the sixth spot for Games 4 and 5 after taking a seat in Game 3 against left-handed pitcher Matthew Boyd. In Game 4, he produced two hits, one of which was a crucial ninth-inning single against All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase that sparked New York’s rally.
“I can hardly believe what he’s accomplished,” remarked rookie catcher Austin Wells. “It’s remarkable to perform at this level with two broken bones in your hand. I truly lack the words to express it.”
As a three-time All-Star, the 35-year-old Rizzo had a season impacted by injuries, finishing with a .228 batting average, eight home runs, 35 RBIs, and a .637 OPS across 92 games. Rizzo spent 62 games sidelined due to a fractured right forearm following a collision with Boston pitcher Brennan Bernadino on June 16. However, upon returning from the injured list on September 1, he averaged .380 (8 for 21).