The New York Yankees are expected to see the return of first baseman Anthony Rizzo after a more-than two-month absence due to an arm injury.
Rizzo likely completed his final rehab game Saturday with the Double-A Somerset Patriots and is expected to be among the players activated from the injured list Sunday, per manager Aaron Boone.
The Yankees announced two moves, optioning rookies Ben Rice and Will Warren following Saturday's 6-5 loss against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Rizzo has been on the injured list since suffering a fractured arm against the Red Sox on June 16 when he collided with relief pitcher Brennan Bernardino at first base trying to beat out a ground ball.
Prior to the injury, Rizzo had been struggling to find his form. He was .223/.289/.341 with eight home runs, 28 RBI and an 76 OPS+ in 70 games.
His month of June was horrendous before the injury with a .104 batting average, one home run and a .373 OPS in 54 plate appearances.
Even so, Rizzo could be an upgrade over the disastrous production the Yankees have gotten from first base this season.
Rice had his moments, including a three-homer game against the Boston Red Sox and a clutch go-ahead home run against the Baltimore Oriole s — both of which came before the All-Star break.
However, the 25-year-old has a .175 batting average and 74 OPS+ in 175 plate appearances this season. He's also struggled mightly against lefties, recording a 53 wRC+ against southpaws.
Veteran DJ LeMahieu hasn't fared much better from the right side. With a .202 average and 51 wRC+ on the season, the 36-year-old has played this poorly since his rookie season all the way back in 2011.
Rizzo's production before the injury wouldn't provide a major upgrade, but the Yankees are hoping he can find his form down the stretch.
Meanwhile, an extra roster spot is opened potentially to activate Clarke Schmidt , who last made a rehab start four days ago on Aug. 28.
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