Anthony Rizzo Left Off Yankees' MLB Playoff Roster for ALDS vs. Royals with Injury

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo says he will not be on the roster when the American League Division Series begins Saturday against the Kansas City Royals, per MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

Rizzo has not played since he suffered fractures in two fingers on his right hand after he was hit by a pitch during a Sept. 28 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Oswaldo Cabrera, who stepped up for the first baseman earlier this season, could slot into the Game 1 starting lineup in Rizzo's absence.

Cabrera, who had never played first base prior to the 2024 season (h/t MLB.com's Bill Ladson), stepped in for Rizzo during his recovery from a fractured right forearm earlier this season.

He has been a steady contributor for the Yankees this season after batting struggles in 2023, recording a career-high eight home runs and 36 RBI while rotating through the team's available positions.

The Yankees are likely facing Michael Wacha on the mound for Game 1. That could present a good opportunity for Cabrera, who has improved his numbers against right-handers this season.

Rizzo told reporters that he tested out his injured hand Friday and believed it would limit him from performing at a high level against the Royals.

The first baseman emphasized, however, that he hopes to be available should the Yankees advance to the ALCS for the second time in three seasons.

"I feel a lot better than I did six days ago, but... gutting through it, I wouldn't be able to be my best version defensively or offensively," Rizzo said, per Greg Joyce of the New York Post. "I had to be honest with myself."

Rizzo suffered fractures on the fourth and fifth fingers of his right hand after he was hit by a pitch thrown by Pirates pitcher Ryan Borucki.

Between the June forearm fracture and his broken fingers, Rizzo has been limited to fewer than 100 games for the second straight season. When available, he slashed .228/.301/.335 with eight home runs and 35 RBI through 92 appearances.

The Yankees will hope to see Rizzo return for the ALCS, in which New York would face either the Cleveland Guardians or the Detroit Tigers should the team advance past Kansas City.