The New York Yankees are calling up catcher/first baseman Ben Rice from Triple-A to potentially replace Anthony Rizzo, who is expected to miss at least a month with an arm fracture.
Rice, who has been getting work in at first base in the minor leagues, has been enjoying a productive season thus far.
In 60 games between the Double-A and Triple-A levels, Rice is hitting .275 with 15 home runs, 46 RBI, 12 doubles, 40 walks and a .925 OPS.
The news was first reported by Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
The Yankees are calling up Ben Rice to replace Anthony Rizzo. Between AA and AAA he had a .275.393.532 slash line with 15 homers.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) June 18, 2024
Rizzo is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after suffering an arm fracture following a collision with Boston Red Sox pitcher Brennan Bernardino on Sunday night.
Rice is the No. 12 prospect in the Yankees organization. With Rizzo on the shelf for at least a month, he should have a shot at competing for the starting role.
Rizzo's immediate replacement is likely going to be DJ LeMahieu, but the veteran has struggled immensely at the plate since returning from the injured list.
It will be interesting to see how the dynamic plays out, but Rice offers some upside as a lefty bat to potentially replace Rizzo.
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