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Anthony Rizzo gave it a shot, but his will not allow him to play in the ALDS. The veteran Yankees first baseman said Friday night that he will not be on the ALDS roster after his attempt at hitting and catching a ball was not where it needed to be. I feel a lot better than I did six days ago, but were dealing with bones, Rizzo said after the Yankees worked out in The Bronx ahead of Saturdays Game 1 against the Royals. I feel like gutting through it, I wouldnt be able to be my best version defensively or offensively. I had to be honest with myself. Im confident, hopefully in the next round, to join them. Anthony Rizzo (left) confirmed he will not play in the ALDS. Robert Sabo for NY Post Rizzo had largely struggled offensively this season though he has strong career numbers against Royals Game 1 starter Michael Wacha but his ability to scoop low throws and his overall calming presence at first base would be valuable to the Yankees in the postseason. Without the four-time Gold Glove winner, the Yankees will have to lean on rookie Ben Rice or utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera to hold down first base (not the natural position of either player) until Rizzo potentially returns for the ALCS if they make it there. Explore More After getting hit by a pitch last Saturday, leading to fractured fourth and fifth fingers on his right hand, Rizzo spent Jorge Lopez Jersey the next five days getting treatment in order to reduce the swelling. But he finally tried baseball activities on Friday, which he said went better than expected but it was not nearly to what the big league standard is. Rizzo said squeezing his glove felt good adding that they manipulated his glove to allow for wrapping his fingers but catching balls at a high velocity hurts it more than it should. Talking to the doctors, hopefully within another 10 days or a week, Ill feel significantly better so I can help contribute, Rizzo, one of two current Yankees to have won a World Series, said 10 days before the start of the ALCS. Follow The Posts coverage of the Yankees in the postseason: If this were the regular season, Rizzo said the injury would likely sideline him for three to four weeks. But he is attempting to expedite that timeline, indicating he would keep his body ready during the ALDS, track pitches on the Trajekt and do a lot of one-hand stuff. But definitely when the time is right, Ill be ready for sure, Rizzo said. Anthony Rizzo was dealing with finger fractures. Getty Images Yankees Anthony Rizzos injured hand is seen when the team practiced on Oct. 1, 2024 at Yankee Stadium. Robert Sabo for NY Post Gerrit Cole did not face the Royals during the regular season this year, but they know they have their work cut out for them in Game 1 Saturday. Yankees and Royals projected lineups for Game 1. Ive seen plenty of him over the years to know that hes a unicorn in this game, Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Friday. Hes a closer that can do it for nine innings. He locates, hes got plus pitches on every front, he can pitch to righties and lefties. Hes super competitive. He seems to be built for the big stage and really embraced that. Cole, set to start his fourth playoff opener for the Yankees, is looking forward to the atmosphere in The Bronx. Yankee Stadium, I feel like the pa sion comes through in the noise and the pageantry of the stadium, Cole said. Its hard not to think about all the great moments of the franchise. And then its just 50,000 people, so its a different sound. Sometimes you go to different venues like the dome is closed and its like a high-pitched screech. But its 40,000, 36,000, 38,000. Its open air, its cold, and its just the sound fills you from the feet up. Its just a different sound. Its wonderful. Jake Cousins (strained right pec) pitched in the simulated game Thursday and came out of it feeling good, putting him in position to be activated off the IL on Saturday in a boost to the bullpen. Stuff was really good, manager Aaron Boone said. Gerrit Cole is ready for Game 1 for the Yankees. Robert Sabo for NY Post DJ LeMahieu, meanwhile, said its probably not realistic for him to be ready for the ALDS due to the hip injury that landed him on the IL. The infielder, in the midst of a rough season, said he still needed to take live batting practice before being cleared and that had not been scheduled yet. Im improving, LeMahieu said. Well see what happens. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Boone said the Yankees were close to finalizing whether they would carry 11 or 12 pitchers on their 26-man roster. With an off-day after Games 1, 2 and 4, the Yankees only need three starters and would only have one back-to-back, allowing their relievers to pitch more regularly. Speedy outfielder Duke Ellis, who could make the roster as a pinch-running option if they carry 15 position players, took batting practice and participated in defensive drills. Quatraro indicated there would be times when the Royals will have to pitch to Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, but other times when they will not let the two superstars beat them. Youve got to attack or youve got to put them on e sentially, Quatraro said. You cant try to be careful. Thats not a philosophy were going to take. Julian Merryweather Jersey
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发表于 2025-11-9 00:44:05