As spring training unfolded, it became evident that New York Yankees’ star slugger Giancarlo Stanton would miss a significant portion of the season due to tendinitis in both elbows. This seemed to leave a massive void in the Bronx Bombers’ American League-leading offense, which was missing Stanton’s 429 career home runs.
However, despite Stanton’s absence, the Yankees’ offense is once again at the forefront, averaging 5.72 runs per game, surpassing last year’s scoring pace. A key factor in maintaining this offensive prowess has been the second-year designated hitter, Ben Rice. A former prep hockey player who attended Dartmouth, graduating with a psychology degree, Rice was a modest 12th-round draft pick in 2021, making him an unexpected hero in Stanton’s stead.
Yet, Stanton’s return to the Yankees lineup might happen sooner than anticipated, possibly before the end of May. What will the Yankees do with Rice then? With eight home runs, nine doubles, and an OPS of .905, the 26-year-old has clearly earned a permanent spot in the lineup. Originally drafted as a catcher, Austin Wells and backup J.C. Escarra already cover that position.
First base is occupied by Paul Goldschmidt, who recently signed a one-year, $12.5 million contract after being named the 2022 National League MVP. Once healthy, Stanton is expected to reclaim the DH role currently filled by Rice. The Yankees have only one position lacking a permanent player: third base. Could Rice fill this role to keep his bat in the lineup? Longtime Yankees broadcaster and insider Michael Kay is curious. However, he notes that manager Aaron Boone is firmly opposed to the idea.
“I’ve asked Aaron Boone three times now — can Ben Rice play third base?” Kay said in a recent quote by writer Nayima Riyaz of Essentially Sports. “He shuts it down every time. I mentioned it to someone in baseball, and they rolled their eyes and said, ‘Joe Torre played third base.’ You’re suggesting Rice can’t even attempt it?”
Torre, who led the Yankees to four World Series wins as manager, was once a converted catcher himself. Regular third baseman D.J. LeMahieu has been sidelined the whole season due to injury but is anticipated to return as early as next week. However, with starting second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. now out with an oblique muscle tear, Boone plans to have LeMahieu take over at second base upon his return.
Kay did not elaborate on why Boone is so resistant to the idea of Rice at third. Despite boasting the third-highest OPS and home run tally on the team, Rice might find himself back in the minors when Stanton returns, unless Boone reconsiders his stance.
