The Yankees host the Cleveland Guardians for a crucial three-game series in the Bronx, starting Tuesday. The series could determine the best record in the American League, and manager Aaron Boone provided updates on a number of sick players who could play a role in the final stages of the season and in the play-offs.
Yankees remain cautious with Anthony Rizzo
Rizzo is still recovering from the broken arm he suffered in mid-June. The Yankees are optimistic and pleased with the progress of their first baseman, but it appears there is still a hurdle to overcome.
“I thought he looked really good today with his swing,” Boone said. “He’s feeling really good. I just talked to him. The biggest thing for him is that he can do everything now, full speed ahead, it feels great to do that. The power is there, it’s just, again, getting that full healing so he doesn’t get himself in trouble if he falls or something.”
Boone said Rizzo had imaging done about 7-10 days ago and that as the arm heals, doctors want to see more. No timetable was given for Rizzo.
Despite this, Rizzo looked good at the plate against Ian Hamilton During their live broadcast, BP and the RHP agreed.
“Rizzo looks good. He’s seeing pretty good, making good contact,” Hamilton said after throwing to him. “Normal Rizzo stuff.”
Before his injury, Rizzo was hitting .223/.289/.630 with eight home runs and 28 RBI. And while he was a rookie Am Rice gave them a shock when he was first called up, the young left-hander is hitting just .188 and has a career batting average of just .391. He has seven homers and 22 RBI, but his last long ball came on July 29.
Ian Hamilton throws successful BP
Right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton threw live batting practice on Tuesday afternoon. He had two ups and threw to left-handed hitter Rizzo and bench coach Brad Ausmusa right-handed batter.
Hamilton threw a total of 28 pitches and told the media afterward that he was able to throw all of his pitches and that his velocity was back to normal.
“Feeling good. Feeling a little rusty,” Hamilton said of his live BP. “Just getting back into throwing but it feels good.”
“Good to see him get two ups today,” Boone said. “I thought the stuff was good.”
The Yankees captain wasn’t sure when his next BP would be, but Hamilton says he’ll begin a rehab assignment Saturday. It appears Hamilton should be a factor sooner rather than later after being placed on the IL in mid-June.
In 27 appearances before his injury, Hamilton had a 4.55 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP.
The Yankees also announced that Cody Poteet will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Somerset. Poteet was placed on the IL in June with a triceps injury.
