To replace Anthony Rizzo, the Yankees are now pushing another key player.
Following the announcement yesterday that Anthony Rizzo will be out for at least four to six weeks due to an arm injury, it seems likely that the Yankees would choose one of the more conventional, uninteresting candidates to replace him in the lineup. As he did at the beginning of 2024 while LeMahieu was out, Oswaldo Cabrera could start at the hot corner with DJ LeMahieu present to slide across from third base to first. Rizzo’s replacement on the team would most likely be a bench warmer.
The Yankees have chosen to add a bit extra intrigue, though. Ben Rice, a lefty prospect with a lot of raw power, is reportedly moving up from Triple-A to the major leagues in order to replace Rizzo, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Now that the Yankees have openly expressed their admiration for Rice and his potential in pinstripes, it’s clear that this is more than just talk.
Despite missing the most of his last two seasons at Dartmouth College because to COVID-19, which prevented him from playing in the Ivy League, Rice was selected by the Yankees in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He has been challenged by the Yankees in a very aggressive manner over the past two seasons, and he has played at all four full-season levels (though his 2023 trip in Tampa was only a rehab assignment). He finished 2023 with 16 home runs and a 1.049 OPS in 48 games at Double-A. Before being promoted to Triple-A, he mostly maintained that success in 2024, finishing with a.894 OPS and 12 home runs in 49 games.
Before Rizzo’s injury inspired the Yankees to test him once more, Rice only played 11 games with Scranton, but in those games, he scorched with a.333/.440/.619 line and 3 home runs. The left-handed hitter seems to have a solid approach at the plate and will take his fair share of walks. He will now get a chance to face some of the top pitching in the world. Rice was chosen as a catcher, where he still has to improve his technique. However, since the beginning of 2022, he has played 55 games at first base, making more appearances there this season than in any other year. With Rizzo out, Rice now has the opportunity to attempt to establish himself as a daily starter, even if LeMahieu will likely still receive a fair share of the initial starts.
We’ll keep you updated on the specifics of Rice’s activation, Rizzo’s placement on the injured list, and any other roster changes.
