The New York Yankees are gearing up for the return of Giancarlo Stanton, who has been sidelined for the first two months of the season due to tendinitis in both elbows. The 35-year-old slugger has begun a rehab assignment, signaling that his activation from the injured list is imminent. As Stanton prepares to reclaim his role as the team’s designated hitter, the Yankees are faced with a lineup adjustment that could see young talent Ben Rice shifted from his recent role.
Stanton’s return will likely push Rice, who has filled the designated hitter spot in 39 games this season, back to a fielding position. Manager Aaron Boone hinted on Wednesday that Rice could see time at catcher, according to Jack Curry of the YES Network. While Rice, 26, has not started a single game behind the plate this season, his extensive minor league experience—121 appearances as a catcher—makes him a viable option to spell Austin Wells when needed. Rice has logged just 6 2/3 innings at catcher this year, but the Yankees appear open to utilizing him there to keep his potent bat in the lineup.
The Yankees have shown flexibility with their defensive alignments this season, notably moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. from second base to third. Now, with Stanton’s return on the horizon, slotting Rice at catcher could be the next strategic shift to maintain offensive firepower. Rice has impressed at the plate, posting a .240/.326/.495 slash line with 12 home runs and 25 RBIs this season.
As the Yankees prepare to reintegrate Stanton, the potential “demotion” of Rice to a part-time catching role reflects the team’s efforts to balance their roster while maximizing their offensive output. How Rice adapts to this shift could be a key storyline as New York pushes forward in the season.