Yankees Make Ben Rice Decision Amid Giancarlo Stanton’s Return

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton could be joining the team over the weekend against the Boston Red Sox. 

Stanton, who has continued to swing the bat at a very high level for much of his Yankees career, has dealt with multiple injuries. At this point, all the Yankees can worry about is getting him healthy for October, which he’s excelled at in recent years. 

A year ago, Stanton was the best hitter on the Yankees’ postseason roster, winning the American League Championship Series MVP. He blasted seven home runs, drove in 16, and hit .273 in 55 playoff at-bats. If that’s the production the Yankees could get from Stanton in the postseason, they’ll live with his injuries. 

However, the Yankees also need to field their best nine players every night. Stanton is still among that group right now, but with Ben Rice swinging the bat at a high level, they need to keep him in the lineup. 

Ben Rice to Potentially Play Catcher

According to a report from Jack Curry of the YES Network, the New York Yankees may make that happen. According to Curry, skipper Aaron Boone said that Rice could start games as a catcher. 

“Ben Rice hasn’t started a game at catcher this season,” Curry revealed on X. “But, with Giancarlo Stanton’s return looming, Aaron Boone said Rice could start some games behind the dish. Stay tuned.”

Rice was a catcher coming out of the minor leagues, but has been designated to a DH and first base role. However, if needed, the youngster can go behind the dish. 

According to Greg Joyce of the New York Post, Stanton could return this week, but he also added that Rice has continued to swing the bat at a high level and has forced his way into the lineup. 

For the Yankees, that’s something they have to consider. 

“Aaron Boone opened the door for that to happen Wednesday while discussing how the Yankees will get everyone enough at-bats once Giancarlo Stanton returns from the injured list, which could be as soon as this weekend at Fenway Park.

“Rice, who went 1-for-5 with an RBI in the Yankees’ 6-3 win over the Royals, has caught just 7 ²/₃ innings in his big league career, with the Yankees instead needing him at first base last season and DH this year because of injuries, though his bat has continued to force his way into the lineup,” he wrote.

Yankees Will Have to Move Some Players’ Positions Around

There are some other tough decisions the New York Yankees will have to make if they allow Rice to catch in certain games. With Austin Wells playing at a decent level, posting a 111 wRC+, it isn’t like they can just take him out of the lineup, either. 

However, with J. C. Escarra, that’s another decision the Yankees have to make. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Escarra will remain on the roster as a traditional backup for the Yankees, allowing Rice to be a designated hitter while they figure things out. 

“Whether Rice will continue to get a more extended look as a semi-regular option behind the plate remains to be seen. It seems likely that J.C. Escarra will continue to remain on the roster as a more traditional backup for Wells given the fact that Rice figures to continue being in the DH mix on a regular basis,” they wrote.

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