Republished with full copyrights permissions obtained from the Sports Today Magazine.

The recent announcement of Anthony Rizzo landing on the disabled list due to concussion symptoms has raised significant concerns among baseball fans and pundits alike. What has left many bewildered is why it took so long for the New York Yankees to take action, considering that the injury occurred over two months ago.

On May 28th, during a game against the San Diego Padres, Rizzo collided with Fernando Tatis Jr., an incident that is now being identified as the origin of his current woes. Following this collision, Rizzo’s performance took a downturn, with a noticeable slump that negatively impacted his form. Yet, it appears that the Yankees only recently realized the gravity of his condition, shedding light on a troubling series of events.

Manager Aaron Boone’s recent press conference revealed that Rizzo underwent post-concussion protocol immediately after the collision but only started experiencing symptoms of fogginess in the past few weeks. The question arises, why did it take the Yankees so long to connect his diminished performance to the collision? The lack of assertiveness in identifying and addressing Rizzo’s condition raises doubts about the team’s internal processes and medical staff’s vigilance.

Rizzo’s case also calls into question the efficacy of the concussion protocols in place throughout the MLB. Despite undergoing testing immediately after the collision, Rizzo was allowed to return to the field rather quickly. The fact that he played three games shortly after the injury further highlights a potential oversight, as it has now become evident that he suffered a serious concussion. This raises concerns about whether the protocols are thorough enough to sufficiently protect players’ health.

Beyond the specifics of Rizzo’s injury, the delayed response and lack of attentiveness could have wider implications for the Yankees’ overall season. As the team strives to climb out of last place in the AL East and secure a postseason berth, every player’s contributions are vital. The mishandling of Rizzo’s injury leaves fans questioning the Yankees’ ability to navigate through challenging situations and prioritize player welfare amidst the pressured atmosphere of a competitive season.

Thus far, neither MLB nor the MLBPA has released an official statement regarding Rizzo’s concussion and the subsequent handling of his treatment. It is crucial for these organizations to address the concerns raised by this incident, not only for the sake of transparency but also to ensure the safety and well-being of the players.

Anthony Rizzo’s injury and the confusion surrounding the timeline of his diagnosis highlight significant flaws within the New York Yankees organization and the MLB’s concussion protocols. It is imperative that swift action is taken to assess and rectify any shortcomings in player safety measures. As fans eagerly await further updates, it is essential that both the Yankees and the league demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of all players in order to maintain the integrity of the game.

This post “Unanswered Questions Surround Anthony Rizzo’s Injury and the Yankees’ Response” was published with full copyrights permissions obtained from the Sports Today Magazine.