Ben Rice Thrives in First Start as Yankees Catcher

The New York Yankees are in a period of transition filled with challenges. Still, glimmers of hope are starting to show.

Ben Rice, a versatile player who’s mostly played first base and designated hitter the last two years, made his first big-league start behind the plate. Even though the Yankees lost 3-2 to the Los Angeles Angels, Rice’s performance stood out in a game that showed both the promise of new talent and the clear need for improvement in the Bronx.

The organization’s also juggling roster reinforcements, Giancarlo Stanton’s return, trade rumors, and updates on key injured players. It’s a lot, honestly.

Ben Rice’s Debut Behind the Plate: A Promising Start

Ben Rice made his first major league start as a catcher, which felt like a big deal for him and the team. The Yankees didn’t win, but Rice held his own under the spotlight.

He even made one of the game’s best defensive plays, throwing out Logan O’Hoppe at second base in the second inning. For someone learning the ropes at such a tough position, that’s pretty impressive.

Manager and Teammate Praise for Rice

Manager Aaron Boone called Rice calm and confident, saying the pace of the game didn’t rattle him. Starter Ryan Yarbrough agreed, mentioning how easy it was to communicate with Rice and that he trusts him as a catcher.

With Giancarlo Stanton back from his elbow injury, Rice’s flexibility will matter more than ever. The Yankees plan to rotate him as a catcher alongside Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra, giving the lineup some real depth.

Boone seems ready to let players like Rice step into bigger roles as the Yankees try to stay competitive. It’s a bit of a gamble, but what choice do they have?

Giancarlo Stanton’s Limited Return and Trade Rumors

Star slugger Giancarlo Stanton returned from his elbow injury, though he didn’t make much of a mark at first. Stanton pinch-hit for Rice in the seventh and popped out—nothing too exciting.

He’ll probably need some time to get his swing back. Still, just having Stanton in the lineup should bring some steadiness as the Yankees shuffle their offense.

Trade Market Heating Up

With Stanton back, general manager Brian Cashman is probably eyeing more moves to strengthen the team. The Yankees are rumored to be active in the trade market, especially after the Boston Red Sox sent Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a major deal.

Cashman called the Devers trade “huge” but said he’s still focused on improving the Yankees. He hinted that any big moves will likely happen after the July 13 MLB Draft, so fans might have to wait a bit.

Pitching Updates: Injuries and Excellence in the Bullpen

The Yankees’ pitching staff has quietly performed well, even with all the injuries. Luis Gil will face live hitters on Saturday for the first time since his spring injury—a big step in his recovery.

Marcus Stroman and Luke Weaver are also working through rehab assignments. The hope is they’ll give the Yankees’ rotation a boost soon.

Devin Williams Dominates in the Closer Role

With Weaver out, closer Devin Williams has stepped up for the bullpen. Over his last six appearances, Williams has locked down four saves and allowed just five baserunners in 5⅔ innings.

His dominance has kept the Yankees in games during a tough stretch. The bullpen might be the team’s best asset right now, honestly.

What’s Next for the Yankees?

The Yankees are navigating a mix of adversity and opportunity right now. Key player developments keep things interesting as the team tries to find its groove in the middle of the season.

Ben Rice just caught his first MLB game, and honestly, he looked pretty adaptable out there. Stanton’s return brings hope, but there’s no denying he’s got some work ahead to get back to top form.

The pitching staff keeps showing resilience. Devin Williams leads the way and, frankly, that’s been a real bright spot.

With the July 13 MLB Draft coming up, everyone’s watching Brian Cashman and the front office. Will they chase a blockbuster trade to match what the Red Sox did with Devers, or just make some strategic tweaks?

Hard to say what’s coming, but the Yankees’ story this season is anything but finished. Fans might want to brace themselves—the second half could get wild.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Ben Rice ‘pretty comfortable’ in first start as catcher for Yankees