New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo has had a rough season at the plate. A few weeks ago, it seemed as if he was back to top form, but a recent stretch of lousy play has left his numbers at a very disappointing .220/.279/.332 line with a .611 OPS, seven home runs, and 25 RBI in 65 games.
Maybe he is still not completely over the post-concussion syndrome he suffered last year after colliding with Fernando Tatis Jr. at first base in late May. Perhaps it’s just natural decline (he is, after all, close to turning 35), or maybe there even is a hot stretch at the plate on the horizon if the Yankees are patient. What we do know at this juncture is that he hasn’t been good in 2024.
In 35 plate appearances since the start of June, Rizzo only has a hit and a walk. He is starting to become a liability and the Yankees are worried.
Yankees skipper gave Rizzo a vote of confidence
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, however, came to his player’s defense. Insider Bryan Hoch talked about Rizzo’s slump before Saturday’s game this past weekend and clarified the thought of benching Rizzo still hasn’t crossed his mind.
“Anthony Rizzo’s struggles were discussed in today’s pregame news conference. Aaron Boone said he hasn’t thought about sitting Rizzo down “because I do feel like some of the work he’s been getting in has been good,” Hoch tweeted, with Boone’s quote.
Rizzo has, apparently, been working on some things at the plate to try and snap out of his slump. Perhaps if the Yankees are patient, some of that work will start showing in games.
Are they willing to wait for him to start producing? How long can they wait? There are all fascinating questions, and the answers will come out soon enough.