When Anthony Rizzo returned Sept. 1 from the fractured forearm that cost him over two months, the Yankees hoped his glove and left-handed bat in the lineup would help, especially in the playoffs. But they also wanted his veteran presence. So far, two fractured fingers have prevented Rizzo from playing in the playoffs, with the first baseman out until at least the next round if the Yankees advance. Still, he has already played an important role against the Royals into Game 2 of the ALDS on Monday night in The Bronx. Yankees Oswaldo Cabrera is seen taking fielding practice at first base. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POST Oswaldo Cabrera looked like a seasoned pro at the spot in Saturdays victory over Kansas City in The Bronx, particularly when he scooped a low throw from Anthony Volpe at shortstop to get Maikel Garcia to start the third inning. Explore More On Sunday, Cabrera credited Rizzo for tutoring not only him, but , Ben Rice and Jon Berti. Me, Ben and Berti, we are like Chris Wagner Jersey the students and he is our Mr. Miyagi, Cabrera said with a laugh during a Zoom call from the Stadium, referencing the character from The Karate Kid. We know he cant play right now, Cabrera said of Rizzo. But hes teaching us and gives us advice. We are lucky to have him. Defensive metrics have typically not been kind to Rizzo over the years, but theres no denying his knack for picking balls out of the dirt and making good decisions. Aaron Judge speaks with New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo on the dugout fence. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POST That was very apparent upon his return after the inexperienced Rice, as well as DJ LeMahieu, were forced to play more of the position than they ever had during Rizzos absence. Cabrera said that in addition to coaches Travis Chapman and Luis Rojas, Rizzo has been hands-on in his effort to get the trio of Cabrera, Rice and Berti up to speed. Aaron Boone isnt surprised. So many guys look up to him, the manager said of Rizzo. The level of his first-base play through his career and [being] a World Series champion, with the amount of experience he has, he means a lot to those guys. Boone has made it clear he wouldnt rule out any of the three getting a start at first during this series, but the Yankees love Cabreras versatility and willingne s to do just about anything. Cabrera spent most of the first two months of the season at third before settling into more of his typical utility role, but he is ready to play first as much as nece sary this time of year. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! He played eight games in the playoffs two years ago, both at short and left field, but struggled at the plate, going just 2-for-28. Despite the lack of succe s at the plate during those playoffs, Cabrera said the experience was invaluable. I learned so much from that, Cabrera said. [Saturday] was a big day, and I know how to control my emotions, to control the situation and try to calm down. It worked, as Cabrera doubled in the fourth Saturday, although he also struck out three times, but he was smooth on defense and the Yankees will take all of that they can get. Casey Mittelstadt Jersey