DETROIT — April 10, 2025

Tensions flared late Wednesday night as Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson publicly called on Major League Baseball to launch a formal investigation into New York Yankees rookie standout Ben Rice, following a towering two-run homer that shifted the momentum — and ultimately the game — in favor of the Yankees.

The home run, launched in the top of the seventh inning at Comerica Park, gave the Yankees a 5–4 lead over the Tigers, which they held onto to seal the win. But it wasn’t the pitch, the wind, or even the swing that raised eyebrows — it was what came after.

During his postgame comments, Torkelson delivered a bombshell allegation.

“I’m not trying to start something crazy,” he said, “but there are some weird things going on. The way [Ben Rice] has been acting, the sudden jump in power… guys in the clubhouse are talking. I think the league needs to look into whether he’s taking something. It’s not normal.”

Torkelson clarified that he was not making direct accusations, but rather raising concerns based on what he called “unusual behavior” and “unexplained performance spikes.” Sources close to the Tigers organization say several players have privately voiced similar suspicions about Rice over the last week.

Ben Rice, a rising star who has already hit five home runs in just 11 games this season, dismissed the accusation with a mix of disbelief and amusement.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” Rice told reporters. “I’ve worked my ass off, and now people want to question it just because I’m succeeding? That’s weak.”

The Yankees organization quickly moved to defend their young slugger. Manager Aaron Boone called Torkelson’s comments “completely baseless” and “unprofessional,” while also taking a subtle jab at the Tigers’ frustrations.

“Sounds like someone’s upset we took the lead,” Boone said with a smirk.

As of Thursday morning, MLB has not issued a formal response to the incident. League sources say any official inquiry would require either a failed drug test or “reasonable cause” to suspect a violation of the Joint Drug Agreement.

Still, the controversy has already sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans and analysts divided. Some applaud Torkelson for speaking out, while others criticize him for what they see as a reckless and unfounded accusation.

The Tigers and Yankees are set to meet again tomorrow in the final game of the series — a matchup that has suddenly become must-watch TV.

With tempers rising and allegations hanging in the air, baseball’s spotlight has once again shifted from the diamond to the drama.