Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo finally healthy again

The 2023 season changed in an instant for New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo.

Rizzo had been one of the more productive players on the Yankees through the first two months of the season. He had produced a .304/.376/.505 batting line in his first 229 plate appearances, hitting 11 homers and eight doubles. Then Fernando Tatis Jr. inadvertently hit him in the head with his hip trying to get back to first, forcing Rizzo from the game.

His production fell off a cliff after that collision. Rizzo produced a .172/.271/.225 batting line over his final 192 plate appearances, hitting just one homer and eight doubles. He was playing through an undiagnosed concussion, something that was revealed when he felt as though he had a "brain fog." His season came to an end on Aug. 2 as he landed on the injured list three days later for concussion symptoms.

Rizzo is now ready to return to form. According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, Rizzo stated that he is over his concussion symptoms and ready to be a key part of the lineup once more. He said that playing through the concussion was "like you're a coffee drinker...it's like waking up and trying to do anything before you have coffee." He is feeling more alert and aware, something that was clear as he began to get ready for the upcoming season.

The Yankees will not need to rely on Rizzo as much to protect Aaron Judge. Juan Soto is part of the lineup now, giving the Yankees another formidable bat. However, Rizzo is still an important player - the Yankees were a playoff team with a 31-22 record before his injury. Afterward, the Yankees had a 20-26 record in his 46 missed games, falling out of the postseason.

It is easy to doubt Rizzo after his struggles last season. He is 34-years-old and entering this season. The wear and tear of his 13 years in the majors will eventually catch up. But he is finally feeling like himself again - Father Time may have to wait a little longer.