Anthony Rizzo homers, plays first in rehab start that may lead to quicker Yankees injury return

WASHINGTON — Anthony Rizzo advanced to playing first base earlier than expected Tuesday night, starting in the field for the first time in the third game of his rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset.

The Yankees veteran, coming back from a right forearm fracture, had initially been expected to continue DH-ing Tuesday and Wednesday, then potentially mix in action at first base this weekend.

But he was a late switch from DH on Tuesday after apparently proving he was ready for the field, playing four innings at first base and going 2-for-2 with a home run.

Manager Aaron Boone had said Friday that Rizzo wouldn’t need “that much time playing the field,” but his rehab assignment was more about getting regular at-bats after being out since mid-June.

That Rizzo was already playing first base in his third game left the door open for him returning earlier than expected — perhaps as soon as this weekend.

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Ben Rice, who has cooled off after a hot start to his big league career replacing Rizzo, is the likely candidate to be optioned once Rizzo is ready, but Boone said Tuesday, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

DJ LeMahieu has also continued to struggle at the plate and had a costly error at first base in Tuesday’s 4-2 loss to the Nationals.

Rizzo’s return likely would move him to a bench role.

Jon Berti (calf strain) also played in his third rehab game Tuesday, starting at third base and going 0-for-3. He is expected to need a longer rehab stint than Rizzo after being out since late May.

A night after homering and picking off a runner at second base, Austin Wells was on the bench with Jose Trevino starting against left-hander Patrick Corbin before pinch hitting once the Nationals went to the bullpen in the seventh.

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Wells ended the night with a single and a walk.

Boone said Wells would start Wednesday against left-hander MacKenzie Gore (whom left-handed hitters have hit better than Corbin), making it two out of three starts for the rookie in a series against three lefty starters.

“[Wells is] playing against lefties,” Boone said. “But the other guy’s really good, too. Trevy’s an All-Star-level catcher. He’s going to play some, too. I feel like we’re just in great hands with the position.”

Luis Gil (lower back strain) threw a live batting practice session Tuesday at Somerset, continuing to ramp up in hopes of missing just the minimum 15 days on the injured list.

If he comes out of it well, he could be in line to make a rehab start this weekend before potentially returning next week.

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Ian Hamilton (lat strain) made his second rehab appearance with Somerset, throwing 1 ¹/₃ scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

After taking a knee to the head Monday night while diving into second base, Anthony Volpe was back in the lineup Tuesday, as was Alex Verdugo, who slammed into the wall to make a catch.

“Did a lot of really good things last night, paid the price for it a little bit physically,” Boone said. “But yeah, good to see those guys back and ready to go today.”

The Twins claimed Michael Tonkin off waivers from the Yankees on Tuesday, two days after the reliever was designated for assignment.

“We obviously hated to lose him,” Boone said. “I’m happy for him that he got picked up, especially with a contender. Minnesota got themselves a good pitcher.”

The Yankees optioned outfielder Duke Ellis to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday after claiming him off waivers Monday.

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