TAMPA – The Yankees have yet another injury concern.
Anthony Rizzo was a late scratch from Friday’s lineup against the Mets due to a tight lat, the team said.
The veteran first baseman had last played on Wednesday and was in the midst of a strong spring, back healthy from the concussion issues that derailed his season last year.
The severity of Rizzo’s lat issue was not immediately clear, but Luis Torrens started at first base for him on Friday.
The Yankees are not particularly deep with first basemen on their roster, especially with the top option, DJ LeMahieu, dealing with his own injury.
He is up against the clock to be ready for Opening Day after sustaining a significant bone bruise on his right foot last Saturday.
LeMahieu was able to take some batting practice indoors on Friday in a positive step, along with taking ground balls at third base and doing some agility drills and throwing.
Oswaldo Cabrera, who was expected to fill in at third base if LeMahieu was not ready, could also be an option at first base if Rizzo has to miss time.
