BOSTON — Anthony Rizzo appeared to avoid contact with the head but was forced to leave Sunday night’s game early after another collision at first base.
The Yankees first baseman was rushing down the line in the top of the seventh when he collided with Red Sox relief pitcher Brennan Bernardino, who then dropped a pitch from first baseman Dominic Smith.
The two men made hip-to-hip contact before Rizzo fell and appeared to hit or land on the ground with his right wrist.
Manager Aaron Boone and trainers quickly treated Rizzo, but when he finally got up he was taken out of the game and replaced by Oswaldo Cabrera.
The Yankees did not immediately announce the reason for Rizzo’s departure, but he is reportedly suffering from a right hand/wrist injury.
Last year, Rizzo was playing first base when he collided with Fernando Tatis Jr. on an intercept throw, with the force of Tatis’ legs felt most strongly in Rizzo’s head and neck.
On Sunday, Rizzo reached first base in a 4-3 loss, putting the team in a safe position with the bases loaded and no outs, but the next three batters were out in quick succession and he couldn’t capitalize.
