Mar 23, 2024; Lakeland, Florida, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice (93) bats during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Spring Training-New York Yankees at Detroit Tigers
(Bronx, NY) – The Yankees have an Anthony Rizzo sized hole to fill at first base. The good news? They have options.
Rizzo was diagnosed with a fracture in his right forearm after running into Red Sox first baseman Brennan Bernardino in a loss to Boston Sunday night.
The veteran and former World Series champion had struggled at the plate early in the season, but looked to be getting into form tallying some better at-bats and more hits over the last few weeks.
The obvious replacement at the time was moving D.J. LeMahieu to first and inserting Oswaldo Cabrera in at third base. Cabrera has appeared in 55 games for the Yankees this year, filling in as a serviceable infielder.
Cabrera will continue to serve his role on the bench however as Ben Rice will get his first shot in the majors. The 25 year-old prospect has hit 15 home runs in the minor leagues this season, while most recently posting a .333 batting average during his 11 games in Triple-A.
Also joining the Bombers for their bout against Baltimore this week is Gerrit Cole. The reigning Cy Young Award winner has completed his rehab assignments and will make his first start of the season on Wednesday.
The Yankees are three games above the Orioles in the win column, with a 1.5 game lead on the division. The two AL East powerhouses should battle it out for the league’s top seed through September.
