Anthony Rizzo missed the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals after being hit on the hand by a pitch during the final regular season series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The New York Yankees first baseman needed extra time to recover, but he is now back on the ALCS roster, though he’s not playing without pain against the Cleveland Guardians.
The injury occurred on September 28, when Pirates pitcher Ryan Borucki broke two of Rizzo’s fingers on his right hand. More than two weeks have passed since the incident, and while Rizzo feels capable of playing, he’s doing so with two broken fingers.
He finished the 2024 regular season with 375 plate appearances and had previously missed time due to a forearm fracture from June to September.
This season, Rizzo posted the worst numbers of his career since his rookie year, with an 84 wRC+ and a batting line of .228/.301/.335.
Regardless, it’s hard not to admire Rizzo’s determination. He has always been a player eager to take the field. I recall the 2019 season when he suffered a severe ankle sprain and missed a series but returned just in time for a critical four-game series against the St.
Louis Cardinals. He ended up hitting a home run in that game, despite being able to go on the injured list, showcasing his commitment when the Cubs were still in the playoff hunt.
