New York Yankees rookie hits first MLB home run after promotion to leadoff spot

Kevin Hickey

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New York Yankees rookie hits first MLB home run after promotion to leadoff spot image

New York Yankees rookie Ben Rice was promoted to the leadoff spot for the first time Thursday, and he rewarded the team for their faith.

The rookie left-hander sent a 2-1 cutter deep into the right field seats for his first career home run since being called up to MLB in June.

The solo home run had an exit velocity of 105.6 mph and traveled 407 feet. It would have been a home run in all 30 MLB parks.

MORE: Yankees make major change to starting lineup

The Yankees have needed more production from the leadoff spot after Anthony Volpe's struggles at the top of the lineup so Rice will be an interesting name to watch if he continues to have success in that role.

Kevin Hickey

Kevin Hickey Photo

Hickey was previously the managing editor of USA Today's Colts Wire. His work is also featured as a fantasy football analyst for The Huddle. A career .232 hitter, he is an avid reader of Spider-Man comics, an admirer of the James Webb Space Telescope, and a keen enthusiast of Ma’s sauce. You can find him on Twitter/X @KevinHickey11