New York Yankees’ star first baseman Anthony Rizzo, sidelined for the final stretch of last season due to concussion symptoms, is eager to put 2023 behind him, echoing sentiments shared by many in the Bronx Bombers camp.
Rizzo, in a recent interview with SNY, expressed relief that his health issues are in the past, signaling a positive outlook for the upcoming season. Despite a strong start to 2023, where he boasted a .305 batting average with 11 home runs, an unfortunate collision with Fernando Tatis Jr. during a game against the San Diego Padres in May marked a turning point in his performance.
Struggling through subsequent months, Rizzo’s productivity waned, leading to his placement on the injured list in August and eventual shutdown for the remainder of the season. The Yankees, plagued by injuries across their roster, faced significant challenges, particularly with key players like Rizzo, Giancarlo Stanton, and Aaron Judge spending substantial time on the sidelines.
"All the head stuff is behind me, thankfully. Had a very normal offseason. It felt very long but excited to be back in camp."
Anthony Rizzo says he feels "great" after dealing with a concussion last season: pic.twitter.com/T5KHwDCQsr
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 20, 2024
The collective impact of injuries took a toll on the team’s performance, resulting in a disappointing season characterized by offensive struggles. Despite ranking favorably in home runs, their overall batting average and effectiveness with runners in scoring position suffered, highlighting the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Gerrit Cole on last season and injury prevention: We get injured too much as a group. We need to improve. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/P6uh7F9gFu
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 15, 2024
With injuries hindering their top talent and the team’s performance suffering as a consequence, there’s growing concern among fans about the Yankees’ ability to compete effectively. The prevalence of short-term contracts and the aging roster only amplify the urgency for the organization to address its health and performance issues, potentially necessitating a comprehensive restructuring to regain competitiveness.
