Oswaldo Cabrera's first base stint with the Yankees will be joined by Anthony Rizzo

When Anthony Rizzo returned on September 1 from the broken forearm that cost him over two months, the Yankees were hoping his glove and left-handed bat would help in the lineup, especially in the playoffs.

But they also wanted his veteran presence.

So far, two broken fingers have prevented Rizzo from playing in the playoffs, with the first baseman out at least until the next round if the Yankees advance.

Still, he's already played an important role against the Royals as the Yankees take a 1-0 lead in Game 2 of the ALDS on Monday night in the Bronx.

Oswaldo Cabrera looked like a seasoned pro in Saturday's win over Kansas City in the Bronx, especially when he blocked a low throw from shortstop Anthony Volpe to bring in Maikel Garcia to start the third inning.

On Sunday, Cabrera praised Rizzo for tutoring not only him, but also other potential successors, Ben Rice and Jon Berti.

“Me, Ben and Berti, we're like the students and he's our Mr. Miyagi,” Cabrera said with a laugh during a Zoom call from the stadium, referring to the character from “The Karate Kid.”

“We know he can’t play right now,” Cabrera said of Rizzo. “But he teaches us and gives us advice. We’re lucky to have him.”

Defensive metrics have typically not been kind to Rizzo over the years, but there's no denying his ability to get balls out of the dirt and make good decisions.

That was very evident upon his return, after the inexperienced Rice and DJ LeMahieu were forced to play more of the position than ever before during Rizzo's absence.

Cabrera said that alongside coaches Travis Chapman and Luis Rojas, Rizzo was also instrumental in getting the trio of Cabrera, Rice and Berti up to speed.

Aaron Boone isn't surprised.

“So many guys look up to him,” the manager said of Rizzo. “The level of his first base play over the course of his career and his role as a World Series champion and the amount of experience he has means a lot to these guys.”

Boone has made it clear that he wouldn't rule out any of the three making their first start in this series, but the Yankees love Cabrera's versatility and his willingness to do just about anything.

Cabrera spent most of the first two months of the season at third before settling more into his typical utility role, but this time of year he's willing to play first as often as necessary.

Two years ago, he played in eight games in the playoffs, both in short and left field, but struggled at the plate, going just 2:28.

Despite the lack of success in these playoffs, Cabrera said the experience was invaluable.

“I learned so much from this,” Cabrera said. “(Saturday) was a big day and I know how to control my emotions, control the situation and try to calm myself down.”

It worked, as Cabrera doubled in the fourth Saturday, although he also struck out three times, but on defense he was skilled and the Yankees will take whatever they can get.