The New York Yankees made significant roster changes ahead of their series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. First baseman Anthony Rizzo has been placed on the injured list due to a right forearm fracture, with top prospect Ben Rice called up to fill his spot.
In addition, the Yankees have placed right-handed pitchers Ian Hamilton (right lat strain) and Cody Poteet (right triceps strain) on the 15-day injured list. Left-handed pitchers Clayton Andrews and Anthony Misiewicz will take their places on the active roster.
Rizzo is projected to be out for four to six weeks, allowing Rice to gain valuable playing time, primarily at first base. Rice has had a strong season in Triple-A, posting a .333 batting average and a 1.059 OPS over 11 games.
Hamilton’s injury comes after a rough stretch, during which he allowed seven earned runs in just four innings, raising his ERA from 2.81 to 4.55. Poteet had been performing well with a 2.14 ERA in 21 innings since being called up to replace another injured starter, Clarke Schmidt.
With Gerrit Cole returning on Wednesday, Poteet might have been sent down anyway, as the Yankees likely won’t shift to a six-man rotation. However, his injury means he won’t be available for at least a couple of weeks.
Andrews, who has struggled in his limited MLB appearances, and Misiewicz, a versatile lefty with experience across five teams, will join the bullpen as the Yankees gear up for a crucial three-game series against the Orioles, who are just 1.5 games behind in the American League East standings.
Rice is set to bat sixth in the lineup on Tuesday, while Andrews and Misiewicz are available for relief.
