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Anthony Rizzo’s Resilience Powers Yankees Ahead of World Series

Veteran first baseman for the New York Yankees, Anthony Rizzo, is leveraging the break between the ALCS and the World Series to recover from two fractured fingers on his right hand. On Wednesday, in a virtual conversation with the press, Rizzo, 37, revealed his ongoing struggle with injury, which he endured during the Yankees’ victory over the Cleveland Guardians in the previous round. Rizzo’s exceptional performance, hitting .429 throughout the five-game series, is a testament to his resilience and determination to lead his team.

Rizzo’s Recovery: A Race Against Time

The gap between Game 5 on Saturday and the start of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers provides Rizzo with five crucial days for recovery. “The most important thing is reducing the swelling,” Rizzo stated. “The pressure between games causes it to swell up. The fractures are still present, but controlling the swelling has been the key. We hope to give our best in the series.”

Rizzo was sidelined for the ALDS due to an injury sustained from a pitch during the regular season finale. However, his inclusion in the ALCS roster led to a performance that exceeded expectations. With a double and two walks, he went 6-for-14, marking his first game action in several weeks.

Team Reaction to Rizzo’s Tenacity

Austin Wells, Rizzo’s teammate, expressed his disbelief at Rizzo’s fortitude. “It’s utterly impressive how he can play with two fractured bones in his hand. His toughness and commitment to the team are truly admirable,” Wells remarked.

Rizzo hinted at the presence of “effective medication” to help him endure each game. As the Dodgers lack a plethora of lefty relievers, he could be a vital component of the Yankees’ lineup, alongside fellow lefties Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Jazz Chisholm.

The World Series: A Dream Come True for Rizzo

For Rizzo, the thrill of playing in the World Series and the adrenaline rush it brings helps him manage the pain. He acknowledged that such opportunities are rare. “This is the dream. This is what we prepare for,” he said.

Rizzo is among a handful of Yankees with prior World Series experience – he was part of the 2016 Chicago Cubs championship team. His teammates often turn to him for insights into playing in the Fall Classic.

Rizzo is set to face off against his good friend and Dodgers’ first baseman, Freddie Freeman, who is also battling an ankle injury. He praised Freeman, saying, “He’s a true professional, giving his all for the team. I look forward to sharing the field with him on the World Series stage.”

Reflecting on his first full year in the big leagues, Wells shared that he hasn’t fully processed the enormity of the postseason yet. “We’re just going to keep going and aim for more victories,” he said. “It’s going to feel even more surreal once everything is over.”