Boston — After missing four games due to back spasms, Anthony Rizzo returned to the lineup on Saturday night. In the 10th inning of the Yankees’ 6-5 loss to the Red Sox at Fenway Park, the first baseman went 2-for-5 with two RBI and ran into an out while attempting to steal third.
“Well done. Being back in the lineup, Rizzo said, “felt just everything as the game went on, more and more at ease and definitely feels good to be out there in such a great environment.
Rizzo is fairly certain that his back problem is resolved.
“Once the playing mode switch is flipped, you just kind of put it behind you. It’s probably a good thing that I’ve dealt with this before because, for the most part, I know how to handle it, Rizzo said. You simply become more accustomed to it as the game progresses.
Boone claimed they are not concerned moving forward.
“I think he’s finished with it. Boone made this statement prior to Saturday night’s game at Fenway Park against the Red Sox. “I feel like it’s one of those things that just kind of went out on him and he’s dealt with it,” Boone said. He said that it usually takes one to three days to sort of get through it and that it sort of happens once a year. He seems to be getting better every day. I therefore feel at ease having him there.
Back problems had a history with Rizzo going all the way back to his time with the Cubs.
This season, the 32-year-old has played a crucial role in the Yankees’ success. Rizzo has been cutting. 223/.336/.507 and an OPS of.844. Three Yankees sluggers have at least 20 home runs, and he is one of them. In 77 games this year, he has hit 22 home runs and driven in 52 runs.
MORE WOODWORKER
With Joey Gallo sitting on the bench, Matt Carpenter took over in left field on Saturday night. The seasoned infielder, who had not played in left since 2012, made his second consecutive start there.
He can continue to play with his hot bat by doing this.
He deserves more opportunities without a doubt. At this point in the season, I’m glad we’ve gotten a few reps in the outfield and at least hopefully that will be an option, but I love the days I have over there as a weapon and to shoot in a big spot off the bench, Boone said. Although I still don’t see him playing well every day, I’ve been able to do that occasionally to keep him sharp and give him at-bats, especially when he’s swinging the bat well. We’ll keep searching for those chances.
Carpenter was comfortable playing balls off the Green Monster in left field at Fenway Park. Boone claimed that he would most likely use him at right-field due to the size of left field at Yankee Stadium.
In 24 games this season with the Yankees, Carpenter is hitting.305/.406/.814 with nine home runs and 20 RBI.
CONAN SHOW
Giancarlo Stanton declared that he would probably participate in the Home Run Derby after being selected as a starter on Friday. Aaron Boone would watch that, and not just out of concern for his slugger.
Boone commanded, “If he wants to, go get ’em.” “I’ll have a reason to watch. When he gets going, he is about as entertaining to watch as anyone. Because he is working on things in BP, we don’t get to see it very often, but when he really goes in there and declares, “I’m going to step on it,” that’s something to see. If he is willing to do it and is on board, he is very aware of himself. I’ll agree to support that. I’ll have something to anticipate as a result.
The Home Run Derby has some hitters worried that it will affect their swings in the second half of the season.
Stanton won the 2016 Home Run Derby in San Diego with an amazing display of power, and he is thrilled to play in the game in his native Southern California.
A GERMAN WATCH IS ON
Domingo German, who has right shoulder impingement syndrome, pitched four scoreless, hitless innings against Worcester, a Red Sox Triple-A affiliate, on Saturday. The right-handed pitcher hit one, didn’t walk a batter, and struck out four. 34 of his 53 pitches were strikes.
The fastball velocity, according to a scout who was present, was lower than he had anticipated, sitting between 91 and 92 miles per hour and touching 95.
The Yankees will discuss German’s next move, according to Boone.
The decision as to whether or not to bring him up will be made, according to Boone. Within the next 24 to 48 hours, we will have those discussions here. I’ll examine it. We’ll discuss that later.
German’s injury put him on the injured list to start the year. He could play a significant role in the Yankees bullpen while also assisting them in balancing Nestor Cortes’ and Luis Severino’s workloads.
LOAISIGIA en route home
With Class-A Tampa, Jonathan Loaisiga (inflamed right shoulder) was slated to make his minor league debut on Saturday. Since May 25, Loaisiga has been listed on the IL.
Returning to New York, the right-handed reliever will meet the Yankees there. On Tuesday, he will likely make a second rehab outing with Scranton.
