Jon Berti of the Yankees makes his first career start at first base against the Royals

Anthony Rizzo’s absence with two broken fingers in his right hand has left the Yankees on a merry-go-round at first base at the most critical time of the season.

After initially starting Oswaldo Cabrera in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Royals, Aaron Boone signed Jon Berti for Game 2 on Monday in the Bronx.

While Cabrera was making just his fifth major league start in the majors, Berti entered Monday having never played the position in a game as a professional.

“I have a good feeling about him, just like I do about Cabrera,” Boone said. “Jon is a really good infielder and really did well with the work he did there this week. “He’s athletic.”

And Boone didn’t rule out rookie Ben Rice being deployed there during the series after the converted catcher spent a long time there in the summer.

“Part of it is (Rizzo) getting hurt two days before the end of the (regular) season,” Boone said. “That put us in a bit of a bind in terms of the squad.”

Cabrera did well there on Saturday, taking a nice throw into the dirt from shortstop Anthony Volpe and crediting Rizzo for working with all three of his potential backups.

Berti was acquired from the Marlins in a three-team trade late in spring training to replace DJ LeMahieu, who began the year with a foot injury.

But Berti suffered a groin strain less than two weeks into the regular season and was out for more than three months with a calf strain after returning in early May.

Before this season, Berti had played every position except first base and catcher.

Boone said Berti played a few spring training games there early in his career.

“I just feel like he deserves to be in there,” Boone said of Berti. “If we go far this (postseason), he’s going to play a big role for us. He had a really good week of work there.”

The manager also pointed to Berti’s speed and his skills with the bat when making his decision.

Because of injuries, he made only 74 plate appearances for the Yankees this season, but was productive at the plate for the Marlins a year ago, with an .804 OPS against lefties.

“He is a really talented infielder and brings an asset to our lineup,” Boone said. “It made a lot of sense.”