The New York Yankees have one of the best first basemen in the league in Ben Rice. He has been one of the organization’s biggest developmental success stories, originally drafted in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
Now 27 years old, the left-handed slugger has taken another step forward at the plate in 2026. Through his first 32 appearances, Rice has posted a .330 batting average, .447 on-base percentage, 1.164 OPS, 11 home runs and 26 RBIs.
In a lineup that includes Aaron Judge, Rice has been New York’s best hitter through the first month of the season. He has elevated the Yankees offense to another level and helped them open the year with a 22-11 record.
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During Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, Rice continued his dominant stretch. He launched his 12th home run of the season in his first at-bat, then doubled in the bottom of the third and later scored on a Judge home run.
However, when the Yankees took the field for the top of the fourth, Rice was not at his usual spot at first base. Instead, Paul Goldschmidt entered the game in his place.
Moments later, the Yankees provided an update. “Ben Rice exited today's game with a left hand contusion that he sustained on the pickoff attempt while playing first base in the third inning. X-rays taken were negative. He's day-to-day,” the team wrote on X.
Even a brief absence from Rice is a significant blow to New York’s lineup, but the good news is that there is no structural damage. If he were to require a stint on the injured list, Goldschmidt would likely take over full-time, though that would clearly be a drop-off given how unstoppable Rice has been.
Now in his third MLB season, Rice has emerged as one of the most important players on a Yankees team with championship aspirations. With it still being early May, the Yankees will likely be cautious with Rice as they look to keep him healthy for the long haul, especially with October in mind.
