The Yankees host the Cleveland Guardians for a crucial three-game set in the Bronx starting Tuesday. The series could determine the best record in the American League, and manager Aaron Boone gave updates on a few ailing players who could play a role down the stretch and in the postseason.
Yankees remain cautious with Anthony Rizzo
Rizzo continues to be on the mend after fracturing his arm in mid-June and the Yankees are optimistic and pleased with their first baseman’s progress, but it seems there is still a hurdle to overcome.
“Thought he looked really good out there swinging the bat today,” Boone said. “He feels really good. I actually just talked to him. The biggest thing for him is he can do everything now, at full steam ahead, feels great doing it. The strength is there, it’s just, again, getting that full healing to where if he falls he doesn’t get himself in trouble or something like that.”
Boone said Rizzo had imaging done about 7-10 days ago and while the arm is healing, the doctors want to see more. No timetable was given for Rizzo.
Despite that, Rizzo looked good at the plate against Ian Hamilton during their live BP and the RHP concurred.
“Rizzo looks good. He’s seeing it pretty well, making good contact,” Hamilton said after throwing to him. “Normal Rizzo stuff.”
Prior to his injury, Rizzo was slashing .223/.289/.630 with eight home runs and 28 RBI. And while rookie Ben Rice gave them a jolt when he was first called up, the young lefty is hitting just .188 and slugging just .391. He does have seven home runs 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 pitched to left-handed hitter Rizzo and bench coach Brad Ausmus, a right-handed hitter.
Hamilton threw 28 total pitches and told the media afterward that he was able to throw all of his pitches and the velocity is where it normally is.
“Feel good. Feels a little rusty,” Hamilton said of his live BP. “Just getting back in the throwing motion, but it feels good.”
“Good to see him get two ups today,” Boone said. “I thought the stuff was good.”
The Yankees skipper was unsure when his next BP would be but Hamilton says he will start a rehab assignment on Saturday, and t looks as if 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 was pitching to a 4.55 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP.
The Yankees also announced that Cody Poteet will start a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset. Poteet was placed on the IL in June with a triceps strain.
