Yankees Slugger Says Health Concerns Are Behind Him Heading Into 2024
For the New York Yankees to improve upon their disastrous season last year, they'll need the players in the clubhouse to perform much better in 2024.
Outside of Gerrit Cole, there wasn't any of the high-profile players who lived up to their standard.
Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodon and Aaron Judge battled injuries. Giancarlo Stanton was inconsistent once again. The role players did not elevate their games when called upon.
Everything needs to go right for the Yankees to get back to the top of the AL East.
A healthy Anthony Rizzo will go a long way in helping that.
The slugger is entering his fourth year in New York after being acquired at the trade deadline during 2021 season from the Chicago Cubs.
The lefty immediately improved their defense at first base and brought another element of power to the lineup in 2022 with 32 home runs and 75 RBI.
He looked well on his way to doing the same thing last year until a fluke injury suffered against the San Diego Padres derailed his season.
Prior to that injury in late May, he was slashing .304/.376/.508 with 11 home runs. After that, he slashed .172/.271/.225 with just one homer.
It was revealed he was dealing with post-concussion syndrome in August and he was placed on the 60-day injured list in September.
However, Rizzo says he's dealt with those concerns and is ready for the 2024 campaign.
"All the head stuff is behind me, thankfully. Had a very normal offseason, Felt very long but excited to be back in camp," he told reporters at Spring Training according to Phillip Martinez of SNY.
This is good news for the Yankees.
A healthy Rizzo is massively important to the success of the team.
For New York to bounce back and contend for a divisional title and World Series championship, they need him in the lineup for as many games as possible.
