The Yankees suffered a setback on Monday night, losing 6–4 to the Cleveland Guardians in the first game of their three-game series. However, help is on the way, and not just any help—one of their hottest hitters is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday.
Ben Rice, the rookie sensation who has been on fire in his first full MLB season, is set to come back after recovering from a bruised elbow. Rice was hit by a pitch over the weekend against the Rays and had to leave early, but fortunately, the X-rays came back negative, and now it’s a matter of pain tolerance. Manager Aaron Boone is optimistic that Tuesday will be the day.
Rice has quickly established himself as a key part of the Yankees’ lineup, providing a rare combination of patience and power. Before his injury, he was posting impressive numbers with a .292 batting average, .403 on-base percentage, .600 slugging percentage, and a 1.003 OPS. His advanced stats are even more impressive, ranking in the 99th percentile for average exit velocity, barrel percentage, and hard-hit rate.
When batting leadoff, Rice has a .390 on-base percentage, and in the second spot, his numbers are even better, with a .375 average and .412 OBP. His consistent offensive production is exactly what the Yankees have been lacking in his brief absence.
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