BREAKING: Yankees Star Baseman Faces Setback amid Injury in last Practice

Yankees’ Star Baseman Faces Setback amid Injury in last Practice

The 2024 MLB season wrapped up on Sunday, with the New York Yankees securing a victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The finished with the best record in the American League at 94-68, granting them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

However, the team is facing some significant challenges as they head into the postseason. Nestor Cortes suffered an elbow injury and is expected to miss the entire playoff run. Additionally, Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch on Saturday, resulting in two fractured fingers.

 

 

Ben Rice was called up on Sunday while the team assesses Rizzo’s condition for the ALDS, but Manager Aaron Boone noted that it seems unlikely Rizzo will be ready by Saturday.

 

Fortunately, the Yankees have options at first base with Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera. Rice has been on a hot streak in Triple-A since being sent down after Rizzo’s return, and Cabrera’s versatility has been a valuable asset this season.

Following Sunday’s game, Rizzo spoke to reporters about his injury, expressing his determination to be ready but acknowledging that the circumstances may prevent it.

Yankees News: Anthony Rizzo injury, Aaron Judge history, AL Wild Card

The Yankees boast a strong advantage with likely AL MVP Aaron Judge on their roster. Judge wrapped up the season with one of the finest offensive performances in baseball history, bolstering his Hall of Fame candidacy. He narrowly missed the Triple Crown but led the league in on-base percentage (.458), slugging percentage (.701), OPS (1.159), OPS+ (223), total bases (392), home runs (58), and RBIs (144), with many of these stats carrying significant weight.

While Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. also had an outstanding season that contributed to his team’s playoff chances, Judge delivered another MVP-level campaign reminiscent of Barry Bonds’ achievements two decades ago. This remarkable history should solidify Judge’s chances for additional awards.

On another note, the Astros-Tigers series is facing scheduling challenges, with Houston stuck playing early afternoon games broadcast on ABC. This Wild Card series promises excitement but may attract lower viewership.

Yankees fans should savor the playoff action before anxiously awaiting their team’s postseason journey. Once the Wild Card matchups are finalized after the Braves-Mets doubleheader on Monday, there will be plenty of thrilling games to enjoy while keeping an eye on potential opponents for the Yankees.