The Yankees were more than happy to re-sign Anthony Rizzo this offseason after the first baseman tied a career-high 32 home runs in 2022, his first full season calling Yankee Stadium home.
But pop has recently hinted at left-handed swinging. Going into Thursday’s series finale against the Orioles, Rizzo hadn’t hit a home run since May 20. This period includes 34 games and 141 plate appearances.
“I mean, does that cross your mind? Obviously you want to do some damage in the box,” Rizzo said after going 0 for 4 in Wednesday’s loss. “When you go mechanically, it sucks. You fight for it and it comes back. This feeling comes back in a heartbeat and you just have to keep it and repeat it.
“It’s frustrating, but that’s part of it and you just have to keep working.”
For a second, it looked like Rizzo had ended his drought on Wednesday, as he threw a ball into right field in the eighth inning. But the volley failed and he was stuck on 11 homers for the season.
Rizzo wasn’t able to get around his lack of power either, as he cut .198/.312/.240 with five doubles and 10 RBIs over that 34-game sample.
That streak included a few days off for Rizzo after suffering a stiff neck against the Padres on May 28. A freak collision with Fernando Tatis Jr. on a replay game hit Rizzo, and he didn’t return to action until June 2. .
Aaron Boone said Wednesday that Rizzo was “definitely a bit down” after the injury, but the veteran said it’s behind him now.
“I don’t think there’s any residual,” Rizzo said. “I just don’t hit at my level, and that’s frustrating, personally, but that’s part of being a baseball player. When things are tough, it shows your character.
While Rizzo hasn’t gone deep in a while, Boone felt the slugger has started to gain ground over the past 10 days. Going into Thursday, Rizzo had hit .250/.431/.318 in his last 14 games.
Still, the manager acknowledged that the Yankees needed Rizzo to put the ball over the wall.
“We have to get him there,” Boone said. “Obviously he’s a huge presence in our lineup. And while I feel like he’s built some momentum, we have to get him to that wrecking ball where he can be in the middle.
ANTI-GRAVITY JUDGE
On Thursday, Boone said Aaron Judge added a few overhand throws on Wednesday. The judge had already used the tee and the soft-tossing.
He also runs on an AlterG, an anti-gravity treadmill, as he recovers from a ligament tear in his right big toe.
Bauers banged
Boone also said Jake Bauers injured his shoulder diving for a ball in Wednesday’s game. The outfielder was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday.
THE LAST ON PETE STENDEL
Things got scary in Wednesday’s game when an errant Orioles pitch hit YES Network cameraman Pete Stendel in the head. A first aid team had to carry Stendel on a stretcher and golf cart, but he was able to signal a peace sign to the Yankee Stadium crowd as he left the field.
On Thursday, YES announced that Stendel is resting at home after suffering an orbital fracture. “He and his family appreciate everyone’s support,” the network said.
Boone, meanwhile, spoke to Stendel on the phone Thursday after meeting with the cameraman. The manager added that witnessing Stendel’s injury in real time “scared me a bit”, but Boone said their conversation was encouraging.
“He looked really good and in good spirits,” Boone said. “I hope he’s on the road to recovery now. But I’m glad he can be home resting.
MEET THE NEW LEFT-HANDED
The Yankees claimed left-hander Anthony Misiewicz off waivers from the Detroit Tigers and assigned him to Triple-A on Thursday.
The 28-year-old posted an 8.64 ERA in 8.1 innings for the Tigers and Diamondbacks this season. He totaled 127 major league games in four seasons while pitching for the Mariners and Royals.
Misiewicz, a Michigan State product, boasts a career ERA of 4.74.
()
denverpost
