First baseman Anthony Rizzo has made a remarkable return to the New York Yankees' roster for the AL Championship Series against Cleveland, just over two weeks after sustaining a pair of fractured fingers when hit by a pitch. Rizzo, a three-time All-Star and a 2016 World Series champion with the Chicago Cubs, fractured his fourth and fifth fingers on his right hand on September 28th after being struck by a pitch from Pittsburgh’s Ryan Borucki. Despite an injury-plagued season, Rizzo managed to hit .228 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs in 92 games. He missed a significant portion of the season due to a fractured right forearm earlier in the year.
Joining Rizzo on the Yankees' roster is right-hander Marcus Stroman, who had a mixed season with the team. Stroman, who went 10-9 with a 4.31 ERA in his first season with the Yankees, struggled in September with an 0-3 record and an 8.80 ERA in four appearances. The 33-year-old pitcher will look to make a positive impact in the upcoming series against Cleveland.
In corresponding roster moves, the Yankees decided to drop first baseman Ben Rice and outfielder Duke Ellis. Rice and Ellis did not see any game action in the Division Series against Kansas City, prompting the team to make changes for the upcoming series.
On the Cleveland side, right-hander Pedro Avila has been added to the roster for the AL Championship Series. Avila, 27, had an impressive season with a 3.25 ERA in 74 2/3 innings over 50 relief appearances for the Guardians. He recorded 73 strikeouts and 30 walks during the regular season, showcasing his pitching prowess.
Meanwhile, outfielder Angel Martínez has been dropped from the Guardians' roster. Martínez had a limited role in the Division Series, making a pinch-hit appearance in Game 3. Cleveland will look to regroup and make strategic adjustments as they prepare to face the Yankees in the upcoming series.
Both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an intense and competitive AL Championship Series, with key players returning to action and new additions being made to the rosters. Fans can expect an exciting showdown between the Yankees and the Guardians as they vie for a spot in the World Series.
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