Ben Rice came up through the minor leagues as a catcher.
But this season, the New York Yankees haven't need Rice to don his catching equipment at all.
That could change very soon.
With Giancarlo Stanton's return from injury looming, the whole Yankees lineup gets thrown into flux. Rice has been the every-day DH, but that will have to be Stanton's role when he's in there.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared with reporters that the plan is for Rice to catch some once Stanton is back.
Here's how the New York Post's Greg Joyce reported the news on X: "Ben Rice could get some starts behind the plate once Giancarlo Stanton returns, Boone said. Rice has been limited to only some late-game action in blowouts as a big leaguer, but Boone praised his work in those games and all his pregame work daily."
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The Yankees basically know that they need Rice in the lineup. He's got an .820 OPS this season.
After a fast start, regular catcher Austin Wells hasn't hit as well, either. Rice would be an upgrade on his bat.
There's still the matter of Stanton being himself again, which isn't a guarantee after nagging injuries in both elbows. But if he gets back, the Yankees' upside rises.
And the ceiling gets even higher if Rice is capable of getting in a crouch defensively while keeping his big bat rolling.
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