BREAKING: The New York Yankees has just made a bold move to replace Anthony Rizzo
The New York Yankees are making a daring move by giving Ben Rice a chance in the major leagues. With Anthony Rizzo out for four to six weeks due to an injury, the Yankees are looking to Rice to help cover the vacuum at first base, according to The Post’s Joel Sherman.
Rice, a 25-year-old first base/catcher prospect, has had a strong season in the minors, hitting.275 with 15 home runs and 36 RBIs while playing for Double-A and Triple-A clubs. He has also performed admirably in his current Triple-A assignment, posting a.333/.440/.619 slashline in 11 games.
Rice’s promotion comes at an important time as the Yankees prepare to play the Baltimore Orioles in a three-game series with major AL East ramifications. This opportunity arises as a result of Rizzo’s injury, which leaves the Yankees in search of a long-term solution at first base.
In promoting Rice, the Yankees appear to be favoring potential upside above simply rearranging their current roster. Instead of making an easy remedy by shifting struggling D.J. LeMahieu to first base and filling third base with other possibilities, the Yankees are hoping Rice can keep his hot run going at a position where the team has struggled this season with consistency.
Ben Rice: born to be a Yankee pic.twitter.com/iQNG2Malq6
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) June 18, 2024
Yankees need to boost their first base production
The decision to call up Rice underscores the team’s determination to solve the persistent issues at first base. So far this season, Yankees first basemen have a.642 OPS, which is the sixth-lowest in MLB. This underperformance has put pressure on the team to find a solution, and they’re hoping Rice can rise to the occasion.
Given this move, it’s clear that the Yankees believe Rice has the capacity to make an impact in the majors. As he joins the team, all eyes will be on him to see if he can step up and offer the offensive spark that the Yankees urgently need at first base.
According to Joel Sherman: “Rice’s call-up is a clear indication that the Yankees are looking for a much-needed boost at first base, and they believe he has the potential to deliver.” This is a pivotal point in Rice’s career, and it will be intriguing to see how he takes advantage of the opportunity to make his impact in the major leagues.
"Excited is definitely an understatement. I'm thrilled to be here."
Ben Rice on making his big-league debut with the Yankees and Brad Ausmus' advice for him: pic.twitter.com/IndjlkE5Vg
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) June 18, 2024
