The Yankees have called up prospect Ben Rice to replace Anthony Rizzo on the 26-man roster, as per Joel Sherman of The New York Post. This call-up will mark Rice’s big league debut when he takes the field.
Rice is a 25-year-old first baseman and catcher who started the season as the Yankees’ No. 13 prospect, as per MLB Pipeline. In the 60 games he played this season for Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Rice maintained a solid batting average of .275 with an impressive on-base percentage of .393 and a slugging percentage of .532. He hit 15 home runs, 12 doubles, drove in 36 runs, and scored 45 runs himself. Since Rice has hit 47 homers in 224 games in his minor league career, he is expected to bring power to the Yankees’ lineup.
While Rice will provide depth at first base, DJ LeMahieu may also see increased playing time at the position in the absence of Rizzo. LeMahieu, who recently returned from injury, has struggled at the plate with a batting average of .188 and an OBP of .304 in 15 games since coming off the IL. Consequently, Rice’s call-up could offer the team some flexibility and options as they navigate Rizzo’s absence from the lineup.
