Keith: Yankees know Anthony Rizzo can't be everyday first baseman
Anthony Rizzo belted a home run in Thursday’s series finale against the Royals, but he also failed to charge a slow grounder to first base, setting up a walk-off rally by Kansas City in the ninth inning.
While Rizzo looked solid at first base for most of the series after being benched for two games, Keith is convinced that the veteran can no longer be expected to post every day and be productive for the Yanks.
“I think we’re past that point with Anthony Rizzo,” Keith said. “I think you know, I know, Brian Cashman knows, Aaron Boone knows, and Anthony Rizzo knows that he can’t be the everyday first baseman.
“A few days off, a product of that rest, is what you saw with some of the plays he made in that series and the home run he hit [Thursday].”
So, what is the solution at first base for a team with championship aspirations? Keith says it will likely be via trade, as he doesn’t expect anyone in the minors to fill that road, even if Ben Rice has been raking this season.
“Ben Rice was in Double-A a couple weeks ago,” Keith said. “I don’t think Ben Rice is a thing this year. But he’s doing great. I’ve watched him this year. He’s a hitter.”
