Ben Rice 'pretty comfortable' in first start as catcher for Yankees
Share and Follow

Ben Rice passed his first test as a starting catcher in the majors.

He came up through the minor league system primarily as a catcher before serving as a first baseman and a DH the past two seasons with the Yankees.

Wednesday he made his first start behind the plate of his MLB career in a 3-2 loss to the Angels.

Rice mentioned that he was feeling confident during the game, and both Aaron Boone and starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough were impressed by his performance. Rice’s abilities behind the plate were particularly highlighted, especially when he successfully threw out Logan O’Hoppe as he attempted to steal second base in the second inning.

“Rice was good,’’ Boone said. “I don’t think it moved too fast.”

The Yankees want to use Rice more at catcher with Giancarlo Stanton back from elbow tendinitis that had sidelined him since the spring.

Stanton didn’t start Wednesday but pinch-hit for Rice in the bottom of the seventh and popped to left.

Rice has continued to work at catcher throughout the season, and Boone said he could be in the mix, along with fellow lefty-swingers Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra.


The Red Sox might have dealt Rafael Devers to the Giants in a huge deal before most of the baseball world expected the trade market to develop, but that doesn’t mean Brian Cashman believes it will still take some time for other moves to be made.

Asked if the market may begin to move in the wake of the Red Sox shipping the unhappy Devers out of Boston, Cashman said, “Not yet. Those days are coming sooner than later.”

Typically, teams like to get past the amateur draft before they turn their full attention to the trade market, and the draft doesn’t begin until July 13.

Asked for his thoughts on the Devers deal, Cashman only said it was “huge.”

“I’m worried about us,’’ Cashman said after taking part in a HOPE Week charity event Wednesday to raise funds for The Valerie Fund, which helps pediatric cancer patients, survivors and their families.

When the time comes, the Yankees figure to be in the market for at least an infielder and some bullpen help.


Luis Gil is expected to face hitters in live batting practice Saturday for the first time since being sidelined in the spring with a strained lat.

Even without Gil, Yankees pitchers have excelled.

They entered Wednesday having given up three or fewer runs in each of the team’s previous eight games, with a 1.61 ERA.


Marcus Stroman continued his rehab assignment with a 3 ¹/₃-inning outing with Double-A Somerset, where he allowed a pair of runs.


Luke Weaver reported no issues after his live BP session on Tuesday.

The closer is coming back from a strained hamstring suffered June 1.

Boone said he would check in with the right-hander Wednesday and Thursday before determining a next step.

“I’m not expecting any hiccups,’’ Boone said of Weaver’s recovery.

With Weaver sidelined, Devin Williams has had his best stretch since joining the Yankees in the offseason.

Now back in the closer role, at least until Weaver gets back, Williams has allowed just five baserunners over 5 ²/₃ innings in six appearances. He’d struck out seven and picked up four saves in as many opportunities.


The Yankees will be looking for Carlos Rodón to return to form Thursday after back-to-back rough outings.

After the left-hander allowed just eight earned runs over a nine-start stretch, Rodón gave up eight earned runs in just 10 innings pitched in his previous two starts.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
30 years later: How deadly July, 1995 Chicago heat wave led to formation of Office of Emergency Management and Communications

Three Decades On: The Impact of Chicago’s July 1995 Heatwave on Establishing the Emergency Management and Communications Office

CHICAGO (WLS) — This time, 30 year ago, Chicago was grappling with…
Trump: 'God was protecting me' 1 year ago at attempted assassination

Trump Reflects on Attempted Assassination: ‘Divine Protection Saved Me’ One Year Ago

This Sunday, presents a special report: “The Plot to Kill Trump: One…

Wildfire Destroys Historic Lodge at Grand Canyon: Authorities Report

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) A historic lodge on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim…
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner odds, predictions

Betting Odds and Predictions for the Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner Match

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Kate Moss, 51, puffs on a vape and sips a beer at BST Hyde Park

51-Year-Old Kate Moss Enjoys a Vape and Beer at BST Hyde Park

Kate Moss was spotted puffing on a vape and sipping a beer…
New tax break for auto loans could save some buyers thousands of dollars. But will it boost sales?

Will a New Tax Break for Auto Loans Save Buyers Thousands and Boost Car Sales?

Millions of people receive a federal tax deduction for the interest they…
Trump faces revolt on his social media platform over Jeffrey Epstein

Trump’s Social Media Platform Sees User Backlash Over Jeffrey Epstein Issue

President Donald Trump encountered criticism from his own MAGA supporters regarding a…
James Gunn's 'Superman' opens with $122M in US and Canada

James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Debuts with $122M in US and Canada

It’s the first release fully steered by Gunn and Peter Safran since…