On Saturday, during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, New York Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice was hit by a pitch twice. In the first inning, he was hit on the foot. Then, in the fourth inning, he was struck on his left elbow by an 88.2 mph slider thrown by Rays reliever Manuel Rodríguez.
After the second hit-by-pitch, Rice stayed in the game and scored a run. However, when his spot came up in the sixth inning, he was replaced by pinch-hitter Pablo Reyes. The team then announced that Rice would go to St. Joseph’s Hospital for X-rays and a CT scan.
The tests showed no fracture or serious damage. The team said he had a contusion, meaning a bruise and some swelling.
Manager Aaron Boone said on Sunday that Rice was feeling “quite a bit better” and was in good spirits. He said the imaging results helped ease everyone’s concerns.
Because of the swelling, Rice did not play in Sunday’s game and was not available off the bench. The Yankees are being cautious and hope he can return during their next series against the Cleveland Guardians, which begins Monday.
- Ben Rice was hit on the elbow by an 88.2 mph slider but has no fracture or structural damage.
- He is day-to-day with a contusion and may return during the Cleveland series.
- Rice has been one of the Yankees’ best hitters this season, with five home runs and a .292 average.
Why Rice’s Health Matters to the Yankees Right Now
Rice has been one of the Yankees’ most productive hitters this season. Through 19 games, he is batting .292 with five home runs, nine RBIs, two stolen bases, a .403 on-base percentage, and a 1.003 OPS. His wRC+ is 188, and he has posted 0.9 fWAR.
Only Aaron Judge has had better offensive numbers on the team.
Rice was drafted in the 12th round in 2021 from Dartmouth College. He made his major league debut on June 18, 2024. On July 6, 2024, he hit three home runs in one game and drove in seven runs, tying Lou Gehrig’s rookie record for RBIs in a game.
Although he struggled for the rest of the 2024 season and finished with a .171 batting average, he added muscle during the offseason and came into 2025 ready to improve. His hard-hit rates and exit velocities have been among the best on the team.
Last Thursday, Rice had his first career four-hit game against the Rays. On Friday, he almost hit a two-run home run, but it was caught at the wall by Rays outfielder José Caballero.
On Saturday, Rice led off the game, got hit by a pitch, and scored the Yankees’ first run before getting hit again in the fourth.
Yankees Adjust Lineup While Rice Recovers
While Rice recovers, the Yankees have adjusted the lineup. On Sunday, Trent Grisham led off and hit a solo home run. He has also hit five home runs this season and could see more time at the top of the order.
Aaron Boone said he liked the way Grisham had been swinging the bat. With Aaron Judge hitting behind him, Grisham could help keep the offense moving while Rice is out.
Max Fried started Sunday’s game. The Yankees wanted a long outing from him since the bullpen had been heavily used in the series. Boone said the team did not want to use Rice even as a pinch-hitter because of the swelling and the early point in the season.
Updates on Yankees Pitching
In other news, Yankees reliever Clayton Beeter made his first rehab appearance after being held back in spring training due to a shoulder injury. Pitching for Single-A Tampa on Sunday, he struck out all four batters he faced. His fastball reached between 95 and 98 mph.
Boone said the team is happy with his progress and sees him as someone who could contribute this year.
Jonathan Loáisiga, who had elbow surgery, threw live batting practice at the Yankees’ player development complex. If all goes well, he is expected to throw one more session before beginning a rehab assignment.
