Anthony Rizzo wasted no time making an impact in his return from the COVID-19 IL, delivering a two-run single and potentially saving the game with a scoop at first base to record the last out in the ninth in a 5-2 win for the Yanks on Wednesday night.
It was Rizzo’s first game since Aug. 7, right before he tested positive for COVID and was “knocked out” for a week, dealing with multiple symptoms of the virus before making his return in Wednesday’s series finale against the Red Sox. But he didn’t feel any lingering effects in his first game back, in which he played a full nine innings.
“Good, really good,” Rizzo said. “Throughout the game too, I felt like as I checked off some boxes mentally, I just started feeling better and better. I knew it was gonna be a long game, so I was a little concerned about that, but I felt like as the game went on, I felt more and more normal and just got back to the daily grind.”
Rizzo did feel like he had to walk a line of easing his way back into a regular rate of intensity, while also recognizing that the Yankees were trying to finish off a sweep of Boston and grab possession of the first Wild Card spot. But even not at full strength or full intensity, Rizzo was able to play a big part in taking down his new rivals that had reportedly been hoping to land him before the trade deadline.
“It’s a fine line of being smart and not pushing it, but I feel like over the years of playing a lot, just kind of know how to play slower and not be crazy out there and do the extra,” Rizzo said. “On days like today, there are certain days you just play slower, and today was one of those days. You wouldn’t be able to tell from watching, but from an intensity standpoint, you just go through everything normal…and as the game gets going and the adrenaline gets going, you just try to tame that as much as you can.”
Aaron Boone told reporters before Wednesday’s game that Rizzo will likely be eased back into the lineup, something he can afford to do with Luke Voit available to play first, and swinging a hot bat of late. But if he is feeling strong, Rizzo has no problem jumping right back into the everyday role, though he will assess that daily in the early going.
“I think just be smart and take it day by day,” Rizzo said. “I felt great today. Waking up was a little sore. I imagine I’ll be a little sore tomorrow just from sitting on the couch for a few days, but just being smart and communicating with our training staff…for me, I don’t really like missing games, but it’s about being smart as well.”
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