The extended break between the ALCS and World Series is proving to be a blessing in disguise for New York Yankees slugger Anthony Rizzo. The veteran first baseman, who has been playing through pain from two broken fingers on his right hand, says the extra recovery time is allowing the swelling to subside.
“The biggest thing is getting the swelling out,” the 37-year-old Rizzo explained in a recent Zoom call with reporters. “Between games it blows up, just from the pressure. The bones are still broken but to be able to get the swelling out has been key.”
Rizzo Rising to the Occasion
Rizzo suffered the finger fractures after being hit by a pitch near the end of the regular season. The injury forced him to miss the ALDS, but the determined first baseman returned to the lineup for the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians. Despite the broken fingers, Rizzo put together a stellar series, batting .429 with a double and two walks over the five-game set.
Teammate Austin Wells marveled at Rizzo’s gritty performance, telling reporters, “I can’t even believe it to be honest with you. It’s a pretty incredible thing, to have two broken bones in your hand and go out there and do what he’s been able to do. I don’t have a lot of words for that. It shows how tough he is and the character that he has and his willingness to be out there and go through whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Adrenaline Fueling Playoff Push
Rizzo credits a combination of “good medicine” from the team’s medical staff and the pure adrenaline of being in the World Series for helping him manage the pain. The excitement of playing on the sport’s biggest stage has a way of putting physical ailments on the back burner.
“This is what you dream of. This is what you prepare for. When the crowd is loud and everything is going crazy, I feel like that’s when I settle down the most.”
– Anthony Rizzo on playing in the World Series
Rizzo Brings Valuable Experience
As one of the few Yankees with previous World Series experience, having won a title with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, Rizzo has been fielding lots of questions from teammates about what it’s like to play on the game’s grandest stage.
“Guys ask what was it like,” Rizzo shared. “That (2016) World Series was arguably one of the best World Series ever. Now I get to be in another, what could shape out to be, one of the best World Series ever.”
Battle of Banged-Up First Basemen
Rizzo won’t be the only first baseman playing through pain in this World Series. His counterpart on the Dodgers, longtime friend Freddie Freeman, has been dealing with an ankle injury that caused him to miss several games in the NLCS. But like Rizzo, Freeman has a reputation as a gamer who will do whatever it takes to be on the field with a title on the line.
“He’s a gamer. He’s putting it all on the line for his team. I wouldn’t expect anything less from him. It will be fun to share the field with him on the World Series stage.”
– Anthony Rizzo on facing Freddie Freeman
Rookie Wells Soaking It All In
While Rizzo brings valuable veteran experience, teammate Austin Wells is getting his first taste of the playoffs in his rookie season. The young catcher admitted it’s a lot to process, but he’s just trying to stay in the moment and do his part to help the Yankees win.
“I don’t think any of this has processed for me yet. We’re just going to keep rolling and keep winning. After it’s all said and done, it will be a lot crazier for me in my own eyes. At the moment I just feel like I’m in it and trying to help the team win.”
– Austin Wells on his World Series experience
The Yankees are hoping Rizzo’s fingers continue to improve with each passing day. If the savvy veteran can provide more of the timely hitting he delivered against the Guardians, it would be a huge boost for New York’s title hopes. Game 1 of the World Series is set for Friday night at Dodger Stadium, and you can bet Rizzo will be ready to play through the pain with a championship on the line.
