Yankees’ veteran infielder starting to heat up after slow start

The first few weeks of the Yankees ‘ season didn’t start as Anthony Rizzo had hoped. He began with a 91 wRC+ and hit only .243 with a .321 OBP over 78 plate appearances. However, Rizzo was still shaking off the rust from an early end to his 2023 season due to concussion symptoms. Fortunately, the fogginess has passed, and he is now finding his groove.

Anthony Rizzo’s Early-Season Struggles and Recent Improvements

Over 35 games, Rizzo is batting .263/.329/.429, contributing six homers, 20 RBIs, a 21.2% strikeout rate, and a 6.2% walk rate, with a 122 wRC+. In the past two weeks alone, over 72 plate appearances, he’s been electrifying, hitting .269 with a .522 slugging rate and a 142 wRC+ while blasting five home runs. His power has returned, bringing significant value to the heart of the Yankees’ lineup.

His 34.3% hard-hit rate and 5.9% barrel rate have been steadily increasing. On Sunday, the Yankees gave Rizzo a well-deserved day off after the return of Jon Berti, allowing the first baseman to recuperate.