Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo had to exit early against the Padres because of a neck injury but the team doesn't sound too worried.
It's never a good thing seeing a beloved player stumble to his knee in pain after a play at first base. The replays of Anthony Rizzo's encounter with Fernando Tatis Jr. only made the situation look more concerning.
The first baseman's head collided with the base runners hit at full speed as he caught a ball for a strike-out-throw-out double play.
Immediately Rizzo shows signs of distress and had to be helped off the field.
Fortunately, even though he wasn't able to finish the game, it looks like Rizzo won't be worse for wear after that collision.
Following the game, the Yankees confirmed via their official Twitter account that Rizzo was removed from the game "for precautionary reasons after injuring his neck in the collision at first base."
Manager Aaron Boone went on to address the media and assured fans that Rizzo is "good" and that he expects him to be able to play on Monday, absent any setbacks.
That should be a relief for Yankees fans. Whether because of a potential concussion or some other injury to Rizzo's neck, that play looked like it might have resulted in a missed game or too. Instead, it would seem the first baseman avoided any serious damage.
New York beat San Diego, 10-7, despite giving up an embarrassing "little league home run" in the second inning. Rizzo was 1-for-3 with an RBI before his departure. He was replaced by Greg Allen in the lineup, with DJ LeMahieu sliding over to first base, Isiah Kiner-Falefa taking over at third and Allen stepping into left field to start the seventh inning.
The Yankees took the series 3-1 over the Padres. On Monday, they will travel to take on the Seattle Mariners, hopefully with Rizzo along for the ride.
