When Anthony Rizzo returned Sept. 1 from the fractured forearm that cost him over two months, the Yankees hoped his glove and left-handed bat in the lineup would help, especially in the playoffs.
But they also wanted his veteran presence.
So far, two fractured fingers have prevented Rizzo from playing in the playoffs, with the first baseman out until at least the next round if the Yankees advance.
Still, he has already played an important role against the Royals as the Yankees take a 1-0 series lead into Game 2 of the ALDS on Monday night in The Bronx.
Oswaldo Cabrera looked like a seasoned pro at the spot in Saturday’s victory over Kansas City in The Bronx, particularly when he scooped a low throw from Anthony Volpe at shortstop to get Maikel Garcia to start the third inning.
On Sunday, Cabrera credited Rizzo for tutoring not only him, but other potential replacements at first, Ben Rice and Jon Berti.
“Me, Ben and Berti, we are like the students and he is our Mr. Miyagi,” Cabrera said with a laugh during a Zoom call from the Stadium, referencing the character from “The Karate Kid.”
“We know he can’t play right now,” Cabrera said of Rizzo. “But he’s teaching us and gives us advice. We are lucky to have him.”
Defensive metrics have typically not been kind to Rizzo over the years, but there’s no denying his knack for picking balls out of the dirt and making good decisions.
That was very apparent upon his return after the inexperienced Rice, as well as DJ LeMahieu, were forced to play more of the position than they ever had during Rizzo’s absence.
Cabrera said that in addition to coaches Travis Chapman and Luis Rojas, Rizzo has been hands-on in his effort to get the trio of Cabrera, Rice and Berti up to speed.
Aaron Boone isn’t surprised.
“So many guys look up to him,” the manager said of Rizzo. “The level of his first-base play through his career and [being] a World Series champion, with the amount of experience he has, he means a lot to those guys.”
Boone has made it clear he wouldn’t rule out any of the three getting a start at first during this series, but the Yankees love Cabrera’s versatility and willingness to do just about anything.
Cabrera spent most of the first two months of the season at third before settling into more of his typical utility role, but he is ready to play first as much as necessary this time of year.
He played eight games in the playoffs two years ago, both at short and left field, but struggled at the plate, going just 2-for-28.
Despite the lack of success at the plate during those playoffs, Cabrera said the experience was invaluable.
“I learned so much from that,’’ Cabrera said. “[Saturday] was a big day, and I know how to control my emotions, to control the situation and try to calm down.”
It worked, as Cabrera doubled in the fourth Saturday, although he also struck out three times, but he was smooth on defense and the Yankees will take all of that they can get.