Anthony Rizzo, typically known for his steady hand at first base, experienced an unusual day on Sunday, committing two fielding errors in the Yankees’ 8-7 loss to the Guardians. This brought his total errors for the season to four across 16 games. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Rizzo’s uncharacteristic performance, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver elite defense moving forward. Despite the errors not directly leading to runs, they did result in extra pitches for Nestor Cortes, who lasted only four-plus innings. Rizzo did contribute offensively with a two-run single in the 10th inning, though it wasn’t enough to secure a sweep of the Guardians. The first error occurred in the first inning when he dropped a low throw, while the second came in the second inning on a ground ball that he couldn’t handle. Despite the defensive miscues, teammates like Aaron Judge emphasized Rizzo’s overall excellence and the need to move forward. Nestor Cortes, known for his unconventional pitching style, introduced a new move with a pump fake during an at-bat, showcasing his creativity on the mound. Cortes attributed his high pitch count to trying to be too precise with his pitches. On another note, DJ LeMahieu’s rehab assignment could begin after the Yankees’ upcoming series in Toronto, as he continues to recover from a foot injury. Additionally, rookie catcher Austin Wells took on some defensive work at first base before the game, highlighting the team’s need for a backup at the position.
