Ben Rice has successfully navigated his inaugural challenge as a major league starting catcher.
For the past two seasons, he played as a baseman and designated hitter with the Yankees, despite primarily being a catcher in the minors.
On Wednesday, he made his debut behind the plate in a 3-2 loss against the Angels.
Rice mentioned feeling “quite comfortable,” and expressed admiration for the coaching from Aaron Boone and the performance of starter Ryan Yarborough during the game.
“The rice was good,” Boone humorously noted.
The Yankees are eager for Giancarlo Stanton to recover from elbow tendonitis, an issue that has lingered since spring training, and to increase his involvement with catchers.
While Stanton did not start on Wednesday, he came in as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, making an impact immediately.
Throughout the season, Rice has been refining his catching skills, and Boone indicated he could become part of a rotation with fellow left-handed hitters Austin Wells and J.C. Escalera.
Despite the Red Sox’s significant trade involving Rafael Devers, Yankees GM Brian Cashman believes that further trades will take some time.
When asked about the potential for movement in the trade market, Cashman replied, “Not yet. Those days are late.”
Typically, teams focus on trades only after the amateur draft, which won’t occur until July 13th.
Regarding Devers’ trade, Cashman described it as “huge,” and mentioned concerns for the team at a charity event dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer patients.
When the right moment arrives, the Yankees expect to seek help for their infield and bullpen.
Lewis Gill is anticipated to face live batters in practice this Saturday after being monitored through a tense spring.
Even without Gill, the Yankees’ pitching staff has been performing admirably.
They allowed fewer than three runs in their last eight games, boasting an impressive ERA of 1.61.
Marcus Stroman continued his rehab assignment in a game where he pitched 3¹/₃ innings, giving up a couple of runs.
Luke Weaver did not report any difficulties after his live batting practice session on Tuesday as he comes back from hamstring issues sustained earlier this month.
Boone mentioned he would evaluate Weaver’s situation again on Wednesday and Thursday to determine the next steps.
“I’m not expecting hiccups,” Boone commented regarding Weaver’s recovery.
Looking ahead, the Yankees have their sights set on Carlos Rodon, who hopes to bounce back following a tough couple of outings.
Rodon previously allowed just eight runs over a nine-start stretch but struggled in his last two appearances, giving up eight runs in just ten innings.
