WASHINGTON — Anthony Rizzo was available to play first base sooner than expected Tuesday night, making his first start in the third game of his rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset.
The veteran Yankees pitcher, who is returning from a broken right forearm, was initially expected to continue as a designated hitter on Tuesday and Wednesday and potentially play first base this weekend.
But he was replaced from the DH position on Tuesday after playing four innings at first base, going 2-for-2 with one home run and proving he was ready to play.
Manager Aaron Boone said Friday that Rizzo “doesn't need to play that much time in the outfield,” but Rizzo's rehab challenges outweigh his regular at-bats after missing since mid-June.
Rizzo had already played first base in his third game, leaving the door open for him to return sooner than expected — possibly as soon as this weekend.
Ben Rice, who replaced Rizzo in the big leagues and got off to a good start before declining in form, will likely be optioned off when Rizzo is ready, but Boone said Tuesday that “we'll cross that bridge when the time is right.”
DJ LeMahieu also continues to struggle at the plate, making a costly error at first base in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Nationals.
If Rizzo returns, he will likely be benched.
Jon Berti (calf strain) also appeared in his third rehab game on Tuesday, starting at third base but going 0-for-3. Berti has been sidelined since late May and is expected to have a longer rehab period than Rizzo.
He hit a home run in his rehabilitation appearance. Getty Images
Austin Wells, who had homered the night before and tagged out second, went to the bench and was replaced by Jose Trevino, who came in as a pinch hitter when the Nationals entered the seventh inning to relieve left-hander Patrick Corbin.
Wells finished the night with a single and a walk.
Boone said Wells will face left-hander Mackenzie Gore — who has a better batting record than Corbin among left-handed hitters — on Wednesday, giving Wells two starts in the three-game series against three left-handed starters.
“[Wells is] “It's tough to play against lefties,” Boone said, “but we have another really good guy. Trevy is an All-Star catcher. I think he'll play, too. I think we have great talent at the position.”
Luis Gill (back injury) took part in a live batting session at Somerset on Tuesday as he continues to train with the hope of spending the minimum 15 days on the injured reserve.
If he pulls through, he could start his rehab this weekend and return as soon as next week.
Ian Hamilton (latissimus strain) made his second rehab start for Somerset, pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
Anthony Volpe, who was hit in the head by a knee while diving for second base on Monday night, returned to the lineup on Tuesday, as did Alex Verdugo, who crashed into a wall while trying to catch a ball.
“We made a lot of really good plays last night, but it paid a little bit of a price physically,” Boone said, “but it was good to see our guys back and ready to go today.”
The Twins acquired relief pitcher Michael Tonkin off waivers from the Yankees on Tuesday, two days after he was designated for release.
“Obviously, we hated losing him,” Boone said. “We're pleased he was selected, especially with a team that's a championship contender. Minnesota got a good pitcher.”
The Yankees optioned outfielder Duke Ellis, whom they acquired off waivers on Monday, to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday.
