Yankees 1B Anthony Rizzo Returns Amid Lineup Changes

The New York Yankees currently lead the AL East by a game and a half over the Baltimore Orioles. As the team heads into Sunday’s home game against the St. Louis Cardinals, a number of roster moves have been made to improve the major league roster. The biggest of them? activating first baseman Anthony Rizzo from the IL so he can return to the Bronx for a long-awaited return. The Yankees’ PR department announced the move and more on X, formerly Twitter.

“Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: Recalled INF Anthony Rizzo (#48) from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 60-day injured list,” reported Account X (formerly Twitter). “Recalled RHP Ron Marinaccio (#97), RHP Scott Effross (#59) and OF Duke Ellis (#70) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Designated LHP Josh Maciejewski for assignment.”

The Yankees have been waiting for Rizzo to return as a number of other players have tried to fill the void the veteran left behind. Rizzo broke his right forearm in June against the Red Sox, and the team hasn’t made any acquisitions to try to replace him. Now that the former Chicago Cub has returned to the active roster, hopefully he can make a strong impact as the Bronx Bombers look to secure another postseason spot.

Anthony Rizzo and the Yankees are looking to win their 28th World Series title

Rizzo will look to improve on his form over the past year and a half, as he hasn’t had as much of an impact during that time. His first season and a half in the pins has been solid, and he’s built strong relationships with Yankees captain Aaron Judge and many of the players in the locker room. He’s stayed with the team while on the injured list and provided his usual strong veteran leadership. Now it’s time to see if he can find his form on the field as well.

Before his injury, Rizzo had a .223 average with eight home runs and 28 RBIs. His .630 OPS was down from the previous season, and his -0.5 WAR also left something to be desired. Still, the 35-year-old’s potential is still greater than those who replaced him while he was on the bench.

Former batting great DJ LeMahieu and rookie Ben Rice were the two primary relievers at first base, but they were unremarkable during their increased playing time. Rice was sent down to the minor leagues Saturday so he could continue his education at first base and get valuable reps.

In their quest for a 28th World Series, New York needs Rizzo to be at least somewhat close to his former self. The form he displayed earlier this year. Will GM Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone regret not trying to add another first baseman at the trade deadline or through other means? If Rizzo doesn’t improve in the final few weeks of the season, the focus should be on improving the position in the offseason.