**Yankees Star Anthony Rizzo Doubtful for ALDS After Hand Injury**
Anthony Rizzo, first baseman for the New York Yankees, has suffered an injury that could keep him out of the upcoming American League Division Series (ALDS). The injury occurred during a weekend game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, when Rizzo was hit by a Ryan Borucki slider on his right hand, fracturing the fourth and fifth fingers. While Rizzo remains on the active roster, his availability for the ALDS is uncertain.
The Yankees finished the regular MLB season with a strong 94-68 record, securing the top spot in the American League and earning a bye through the Wild Card Series. Their postseason journey will begin on October 5 at Yankee Stadium, where they will face the winner of the series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. However, Rizzo’s injury has created concerns as the team heads into the playoffs.
Despite the injury, there is hope that Rizzo could still play a role in the ALDS. Manager Aaron Boone explained that Rizzo has not been placed on the 10-day injured list, leaving the possibility open for his return later in the series. However, Boone acknowledged that the decision will depend on Rizzo’s pain tolerance and how he responds to treatment in the days leading up to the series.
“I don’t want to jump to anything. We’ll see how he responds in the next several days before we kick this thing off in a week,” Boone said. “It’s not something that puts him in jeopardy when playing, but it’s about whether he can handle the pain.”
In the event that Rizzo cannot play, Boone will need to rotate his lineup. Options to replace him at first base include Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, or Ben Rice. These players will be prepared to step in if needed, but Rizzo’s presence would still be a significant loss for the Yankees.
Rizzo himself remains optimistic about his chances of playing in the ALDS. When asked if he believes he’ll be able to return, he responded, “Yes, absolutely… In my mind, yes. In reality, I don’t know. We’ll see.”
As the Yankees prepare for their playoff run, Rizzo’s injury is a key storyline to watch, as his recovery could have a major impact on the team’s chances in the postseason.
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