What did Anthony Rizzo say before his return to Wrigley Field
This weekend, the New York Yankees will make their first visit to Wrigley Field since 2017. Anthony Rizzo returns to his longtime home as they seek to break out of their recent skid. The 10-year Cub has not played in the Friendly Confines since being moved to the Bronx in 2021. Rizzo spoke with Schuyler Dixon of the Associated Press about his first trip to Wrigley Field as a guest.
“I loved it,” the Yankees first baseman said of playing at Wrigley. “The fans bring the energy every day, similar to Yankee Stadium, Fenway, and Dodger Stadium. I believe Fenway Park is my favorite location to visit as a guest, and I’m anxious to return to Wrigley Field as a visitor and experience it from the other side.”
As a major player of the 2016 Cubs championship team, he will undoubtedly receive a standing ovation throughout the game. Cubs fans gave Tigers infielder Javier Baez a standing ovation when he returned earlier this season. The Yankees got Rizzo back off the injured list just in time for this series, allowing him to play in front of the Cubs fans again.
While Rizzo will make an emotional homecoming on Friday, 2024 has been a difficult season for him. He was hitting.Before being injured in June, he had 223 hits, eight home runs, and 28 RBI. In just four games since his return, he is 3-13 with three RBIs and no home homers.
Expectations for Yankees, Anthony Rizzo in October
The Yankees’ success, as with every season, will be measured in October. They are a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East as they head into the Cubs series. These two teams have consistently matched each other’s production throughout the season. They were both excellent until May and have been perfectly fine since.
The division title will be determined in September, with a series between the Yankees and the Orioles beginning on September 24. Before then, the Yankees must decide on various slots in their lineup. One of them is first base, where Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu have struggled this year. Rizzo will be given the opportunity because he is a much superior defensive first baseman.
The most essential position they need to figure out is closer. Clay Holmes has blown a league-leading 11 saves this season, including a walk-off grand slam on Tuesday. After the game, manager Aaron Boone stated that he would be “creative” with the role going ahead. For the Yankees to win the World Series, someone must step up and take the lead.
If Anthony Rizzo can regain his Cubs form on his return to Wrigley Field, the Yankees will benefit. The Yankees have struggled with their infield defense, particularly when bullpen pitchers are on the mound. Rizzo, a multiple-time Gold Glove winner, will aid in that area. Another lefty bat would take them over the top offensively.
The Yankees’ three-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field will be emotional for Rizzo and the fans. As a part of the only championship squad in 116 years, he will be remembered as a legend in Chicago.
