The New York Yankees are making some changes following an injury to Anthony Rizzo. The Bronx Bombers are bringing up Ben Rice from their farm system to replace Rizzo, per the New York Post. Rice has had a strong year in the minors, smashing 15 home runs this season slashing in both double-A and triple-A.

What happened with Anthony Rizzo?

Jun 16, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (48) trips on Boston Red Sox pitcher Brennan Bernardino (not pictured) and rolls on the ground during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
© Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Rizzo has been sidelined due to an injury. The first baseman left a game on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, after colliding with another player. It is believed that Rizzo sustained a fracture in his arm and wrist area. He will be out of the Yankees lineup for at least four to six weeks, per MLB.com.

“When he didn’t get up right away, I could tell he was in some pain,” club manager Aaron Boone said, per MLB.com.

It is difficult news to stomach for Yankees fans. Rizzo has been a mainstay in the lineup for the team, and provides a lot of leadership in the team locker room. The Yankees have had a fantastic season, but injuries in the last few weeks have slowed down some of the momentum. Juan Soto was hurt, which caused the Yankees offense to regress somewhat. As of Tuesday, the Yankees hold a 50-24 record. It is good enough for first in the American League East, but the team has only won five of their last 10 games.

On the season, Rizzo is hitting .223. He has eight home runs this season, to go with 28 RBIs. The infielder has played with the Yankees since the 2021 season, after playing with the Chicago Cubs for several years. He also played one season in San Diego with the Padres.

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Rizzo has unfortunately had to deal with some injury problems in the last year. He suffered what was believed to be a concussion in 2023. That injury also kept him out of the lineup for a good part of the 2023 campaign, when he was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. Rizzo plays as hard as anyone on the diamond, and it sadly has impacted some tough blows on his body.

“The past week or so, the guy has been swinging the bat well and came up with some big hits,” Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said, per MLB.com. “He had a homer against Kansas City. We’re going to miss him, but the first thing is health.”

Yankees' season of late

New York is going to have to win without their starting first baseman. The team is in one of the toughest divisions in baseball, with the Baltimore Orioles nipping at the Yankees' heels. New York has just a 1.5 game lead on Baltimore, even though New York has a record of 26 games above .500.

New York is in action on Tuesday, against those Orioles. It is the first game of a pivotal three-game series. If the Yankees win the series, it will put some more distance between them and Baltimore in the AL East. Baltimore can also gain the division lead with a sweep or two victories. Tuesday's game starts at 7:05 Eastern at Yankee Stadium.