The days off between the ALCS and the World Series have been especially helpful for New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo as he continues to recover from two broken fingers on his right hand, the veteran said in a zoom call with reporters on Wednesday.
Rizzo, 37, played through pain in the Yankees win over the Cleveland Guardians last round, hitting .429 during the five game series. Game 5 was on Saturday, giving Rizzo five full days of recovery time before the World Series begins against the Los Angeles Dodgers this Friday.
“The biggest thing is getting the swelling out,” Rizzo explained. “Between games it blows up, just from the pressure. The bones are still broken but to be able to get the swelling out has been key. Hopefully in the series will be able to battle the best we can.”
Rizzo was hit-by-a pitch at the end of the regular season forcing him to miss the ALDS but he was added to the roster for the ALCS and performed beyond expectations. He was 6 for 14 with a double and two walks, seeing his first action in several weeks.