The New York Yankees are the proud owners of a World Series ring, but they’re also the proud owners of a rapidly aging roster. While a surprise addition from last season’s team, it’s not exactly the slam dunk the team hoped for. The team has been searching for a first-round pick, an impact bat and a solid glove. They may have found all three this offseason.
The New York Yankees scored five runs in the second inning to capture a 6-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. Starters CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova combined to toss a complete game. Sabathia gave up 4 hits, 2 earned runs, struck out 6 and walked 1. Nova gave up 2 hits and 4 earned runs, struck out 3 and walked 2 in his 6 innings of work.
Anthony Rizzo, the Cubs’ first baseman, and Aroldis Chapman, the Yankees’ closer, both returned to the team’s lineup on Saturday, with Rizzo seeing action in right field and Chapman in the bullpen. Rizzo, who missed about a week with a bruised right knee and a sprained right ankle, went 1-for-3 with a pair of walks and a run scored. Chapman, who missed about a month with a right knee injury, tossed two shutout innings, striking out three and allowing just one hit.. Read more about yankees closer and let us know what you think.
Following a battle with COVID-19, Anthony Rizzo returned to the New York Yankees’ lineup, and closer Aroldis Chapman was also activated ahead of Wednesday’s series finale against the Boston Red Sox.
In the Yankees’ 5-2 victory, Rizzo, who was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs on July 29, started at first base and batted second. He finished 1-for-4 with two RBIs and made a fantastic defensive play with replacement shortstop Andrew Velazquez to get the game’s last out.
Rizzo said, “This is the time of year when you want to be in there.”
The three-time All-Star has been out since testing positive for the coronavirus on Aug. 8.
“Before the game, manager Aaron Boone expressed his delight at having him back. “The stamina aspect of things is definitely the one thing we’ll have to keep an eye on.”
Chapman had been on the disabled list for ten days due to tendinitis in his left elbow. Boone claimed the left-hander would return to the closer position immediately away, but he removed him in the ninth inning with two outs and two on. For the save, Lucas Luetge got the last out.
Pregame, Boone said he spoke with first baseman Luke Voit, who indicated on Tuesday that he was not ready to give up playing time when Rizzo returned.
“Past year, I was a top-10 MVP, and I’ve been a terrific player for this club for the last three years,” Voit said on Tuesday. “I’m not going anywhere. I’d want to participate. Obviously, dealing with Rizzo will be difficult, but I deserve to play just as much as he does. Last season, I hit the most home runs in the league. I’m feeling a lot better now.”
Voit was not in the lineup on Wednesday.
Boone said that Voit would have many opportunities to play a major role, and that Voit is fully on board.
“Right now, it’s all about us as a team,” Boone added. “Allow it to play out.”
When Rizzo made his debut with the Yankees on July 30, Voit was out with an injury. Rizzo had a strong start with his new club, hitting.281 with three home runs and six RBIs in his first nine games. Voit was reinstated on Aug. 8, the day after Rizzo tested positive, and has been a good hitter since then.
Despite a spate of COVID-19 instances this year, New York has moved into playoff position for the first time since May 30 after stumbling through the first half.
Following ace Gerrit Cole, catcher Gary Sanchez, and lefty starter Jordan Montgomery, Rizzo became the fourth important player to return off the COVID-19 disabled list in recent days.
The epidemic happened after the Mets returned from a six-game trip to Florida to face the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins.
Outfielder Aaron Judge, third baseman Gio Urshela, and catcher Kyle Higashioka have all tested positive since the All-Star break, as have relievers Wanda Peralta, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Clay Holmes. Except for Holmes, who went to the IL on Aug. 3 with a left hamstring injury, they’re all back.
The Yankees sent outfielder Jonathan Davis and right-hander Nick Nelson to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to create space on the roster for Rizzo and Chapman.
Outfielder Trey Amburgey was also reinstated from the 10-day disabled list and sent to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as a replacement player. Amburgey was on a minor league rehab assignment at the time.
This article was written with the help of the Associated Press.
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