Plagued by migraines, Rizzo placed on IL
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NEW YORK -- The Yankees on Wednesday placed Anthony Rizzo on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Saturday, as the first baseman continues to deal with migraines after receiving an epidural injection last week to treat tightness in his lower back.
The Yankees selected first baseman Ronald Guzmán from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take Rizzo’s place ahead of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Twins. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Luke Bard was designated for assignment.
Rizzo homered in each of the first two games of last week’s series against the Angels in Anaheim, then was out of the starting lineup on Aug. 31 with a recurrence of the lower back issues that have nagged him periodically dating to his Cubs years.
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He remained in California to seek treatment from Dr. Robert Watkins, then flew to New York with the anticipation of ramping up baseball activities on Monday and Tuesday. Because of the migraines, that did not happen.
“Frankly, I don't think it's anything back-related now,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I think it's just dealing with the headaches; he’s still under doctor's orders to rest. There’s at least going to be a few days’ ramp up once we get him going, so we’ve just got to get him to that point. It’s been frustrating for him.”
Boone said that Rizzo will undergo further testing to determine the cause of the migraines.
“Some of the images and stuff were good signs,” Boone said. “I think they're trying to get their heads around just why exactly this is happening.”