Anthony Rizzo homers, plays first in rehab start that may lead to quicker Yankees injury return

WASHINGTON — Anthony Rizzo advanced to playing first base earlier than expected Tuesday night, starting in the field for the first time in the third game of his rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset.

The Yankees veteran, coming back from a right forearm fracture, had initially been expected to continue DH-ing Tuesday and Wednesday, then potentially mix in action at first base this weekend.

But he was a late switch from DH on Tuesday after apparently proving he was ready for the field, playing four innings at first base and going 2-for-2 with a home run.

Manager Aaron Boone had said Friday that Rizzo wouldn’t need “that much time playing the field,” but his rehab assignment was more about getting regular at-bats after being out since mid-June.

That Rizzo was already playing first base in his third game left the door open for him returning earlier than expected — perhaps as soon as this weekend.

Ben Rice, who has cooled off after a hot start to his big league career replacing Rizzo, is the likely candidate to be optioned once Rizzo is ready, but Boone said Tuesday, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”