NEW YORK – The New York Yankees faced a significant concern on Saturday as a key player was injured just as October approaches.

During a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Anthony Rizzo was struck by a pitch, causing fractures in the fourth and fifth fingers of his right hand, resulting in a 9-4 defeat at a rainy Yankee Stadium.

It remains uncertain whether this injury will entirely prevent Rizzo from participating in October games, or if he could return at some point during the playoffs.

The Yankees are set to begin the best-of-five AL Division Series in one week. Manager Aaron Boone commented, “We’ll see what we have as the week progresses,” regarding Rizzo’s condition.

“(This injury) doesn’t completely rule him out. It’s about pain tolerance,” Boone explained to reporters, further noting, “I don’t want to make any premature conclusions.

“We’ll observe how he responds in the coming days before the playoffs commence in a week.”

If Rizzo is unable to play at first base, the Yankees may rely on rookie Ben Rice, who bats left-handed, or Oswaldo Cabrera, a versatile player. DJ LeMahieu’s involvement is uncertain as he is managing a hip issue.

LeMahieu has had a challenging year and has just started resuming baseball activities this week.

Rizzo, who strengthened the lineup and contributed defensively, returned last month following a broken forearm incurred in June due to a collision at first base in Fenway Park.

In the seventh inning of Saturday’s game, Rizzo was hit by a pitch from lefty reliever Ryan Borucki and was substituted at the start of the eighth inning.

On another note, the Yankees’ magic number for securing the AL’s best record and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs stands at one after Game 161.

The Yankees have the tiebreaker over the Cleveland Guardians, who are set to play on Saturday night. A win by the Yankees in Sunday’s regular season finale or one loss by the Guardians will secure the top record for Boone’s team.

Boone stated that Rice is “definitely considered” for playing first base as he has performed well in Triple-A.

Despite the injury, Boone described Rizzo’s attitude as “pretty upbeat,” saying, “He’s just trying to maintain a positive outlook on the situation.”