“I have to yell at Anthony Rizzo after every game” - Yankees bullpen coach Mike Harkey talks about Rizzo’s prank calls during games

Anthony Rizzo and the New York Yankees are competing in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Cleveland Guardians. The Yankees lead the series 2-0 after their 5-2 and 6-3 victories in the first two games.

Postseason games can put great pressure on players, but Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo often stays calm even in tense situations. The 35-year-old may even be so relaxed that he plays pranks on his teammates to ease tension.

Yankees bullpen coach Mike Harkey shared how Rizzo enjoys making prank calls to the bullpen. In an interview with the YES Network on Wednesday, Harkey said:

"Just trying to keep it as loose as I can because I know when the phone rings it becomes a little bit heart-pounding. Especially when Rizzo calls in the fourth inning, like he always does."

"Look, I have to yell at him after every game to stop playing on the phone. But, yeah, he likes to play on the bullpen phone."

When things are not going well with the current pitcher on the mound, the team manager may make a call to the bullpen to get a relief pitcher ready, which is often a tense moment.

Anthony Rizzo opens up about the Yankees 2-0 lead over the Guardians

In the two games Anthony Rizzo has played in the 2024 postseason against the Guardians, he has three hits in seven at-bats, scoring one run with a walk. Discussing their performance this postseason, Rizzo said:

"It's been amazing. It really starts with Booney. Booney's been pulling the right triggers, leaving the starters in, giving them the leash, going to the bullpen, making all the right moves. It's been a lot of fun seeing him manage, even from the DS too, just sitting on the bench.”

“Our guys, we're coming in every day prepared. We're not satisfied. We know the Guardians are a very, very good ball club, and being up two games means nothing to us. We need to go into there, it's going to be hostile, and take care of business."

The Yankees will face the Guardians again on Thursday at Progressive Field in Game 3 of the ALCS.