Yankees’ Ben Rice Makes History with Home Runs

This season has been quite challenging for the Yankees, especially with their two top power hitters sidelined for significant stretches. In their absence, Ben Rice has emerged as a potent offensive force.

On Wednesday, during a 9-2 victory against the Rays, Rice launched his 40th and 41st home runs of the season, joining legendary Yankees like Aaron Judge and Joe DiMaggio as the only players in the team’s history to smashes at least 40 home runs within their first three seasons in the majors.

“It’s a cool milestone,” Rice commented. “It’s not something you aim for at the start of the season. You just can’t predict how things will unfold, but as I neared that number, it started to feel like an achievable goal.”

His impressive performance has been crucial for the Yankees, particularly as they navigate the long absences of both Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. With their participation in the AL wild-card series uncertain due to injuries, Rice’s continued success will be vital, especially after he recently regained his form after a slow summer.

“He’s just a complete hitter,” Judge said about Rice. “He improves every year, every month. Even when he struggles, he makes the necessary adjustments to find his rhythm again. Watching him has been a pleasure.”

Aaron Boone had predicted Rice would hit 39 home runs before the season began. When Rice connected for his 39th homer over the weekend in Arizona, Boone acknowledged he underestimated him, and after Rice’s pair of homers on Wednesday, Boone playfully made it known.

“I think I said, ‘Hey, there’s 40 for you,’” Rice recalled with a smile. “After the 41st one, I joked that he inspired me this year. All in good fun.”

With his 41 home runs, Rice is now tied with Yordan Alvarez, Pete Alonso, and Junior Caminero for the most in the American League, and he ranks third overall in the majors.

Fernando Cruz’s Determination

Meanwhile, Fernando Cruz is still hopeful about returning to the mound this season despite a diagnosis of a partially torn UCL. He expressed that he is “not going to accept” that as the final word.

Cruz threw his first bullpen session on Sunday, using all his pitches, and plans to do so again on Thursday.

“I feel really good about being back in a couple of weeks,” Cruz said. “But ultimately, that decision isn’t up to me. I’m just preparing to be there for my teammates and perform how I know I can.”

At 36, he feels “100 percent” that surgery can be avoided, declaring, “I’m going to beat this.”

Carlos Rodón Recognized for Philanthropy

In other news, Carlos Rodón has been honored as the Most Valuable Philanthropist for September by the Players Trust, which represents the charitable initiatives of MLB players. The left-handed pitcher, also nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award, alongside his wife Ashley, actively supports families dealing with infertility and pregnancy loss through their foundation.