Anthony Rizzo injury update: Latest news on the Yankees first baseman

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo appears to be making noticeable progress in his return from injury.

The 34-year-old left-hander began rehab with the Double-A Somerset Patriots this week and plans to play a few games as a designated hitter before returning to fielding.

However, the Yankees changed that plan when Rizzo showed “progressive healing” from the broken arm he sustained in a game against the Boston Red Sox in mid-June.

That led to Rizzo playing first base for four innings on Tuesday – a game in which he hit a home run. The Yankees followed that up with Rizzo playing first base for another game on Wednesday.

The next steps in the plan are unclear, but manager Aaron Boone told reporters before Wednesday's game against the Washington Nationals that Rizzo is expected to be with the team in New York on Thursday.

Rizzo has been on the injured list since sustaining an injury in a June 16 game against the Red Sox when he collided with relief pitcher Brennan Bernardino at first base while attempting to block a ground ball.

Before his injury, Rizzo was struggling to regain his form. In 70 games, he hit .223/.289/.341 with eight home runs, 28 RBI and an OPS+ of 76.

His month of June was awful, with a .104 batting average, one home run, and a .373 OPS in 54 at-bats.

The Yankees used a platoon of DJ LeMahieu (49 OPS+) and Ben Rice (77 OPS+) at first base, but both had incredible difficulties.

It's likely that the Yankees will send Rice to the minor leagues after Rizzo returns, but it remains to be seen what the front office will do.

Regardless, Rizzo's return seems to be getting closer and closer, so that's something to keep an eye on this weekend.

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