The New York Yankees are currently navigating a challenging situation involving Ben Rice and Giancarlo Stanton as Stanton approaches a return from injury. This Ben Rice and Giancarlo Stanton Yankees dilemma centers on how to manage playing time effectively while maximizing the team’s offensive potential.
Stanton, once one of baseball’s most formidable sluggers when healthy, has struggled with injuries throughout much of his time with the Yankees. Despite these setbacks, he demonstrated his value during the 2024 postseason by winning the American League Championship Series MVP, hitting seven home runs, driving in 16 runs, and posting a 1.048 OPS. The Yankees are optimistic about Stanton’s recovery, with general manager Brian Cashman recently confirming plans for Stanton to take live batting practice in Tampa.
The Yankees slugger will head to Tampa this week to take live batting practice ‘for the next two weeks,’ general manager Brian Cashman said Sunday on MLB Network Radio, with a rehab assignment potentially following,
wrote Greg Joyce of the NY Post.
Balancing the Roles of Ben Rice and Stanton in the Lineup
Ben Rice has impressed in the early part of the season, hitting .245 with 10 home runs while showcasing his potential at just 26 years old. This strong performance makes it difficult for the Yankees to consider sidelining him or reducing his role significantly. The club may explore creative options, such as shifting Rice to a different position to accommodate Stanton’s return as a full-time designated hitter.
Placing Stanton in the outfield is unlikely due to his injury history and the risk it would pose to both the player and team strategy. Instead, the designated hitter role appears to be the best fit for Stanton, allowing him to focus on maintaining offensive productivity without risking further injury.
Strategic Options for Managing Playing Time and Positions
Brendan Kuty of The Athletic described the Yankees’ situation with Rice and Stanton as complex, especially as Stanton prepares to return from tennis elbow issues. The team’s plan involves continuing to give Rice at-bats as designated hitter against right-handed pitchers while Stanton gradually readjusts to regular playing time.
They could also give first baseman Paul Goldschmidt rest days in the middle of the summer against righties. This season, Rice has played just two games (one start) at first base. The Yankees also could demote J.C. Escarra and use Rice as the primary backup catcher, though the organization hasn’t shown it thinks Rice is the best No. 2 option there,
Kuty wrote.
The Yankees have additional options to manage their roster, including resting veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt at times, especially against right-handed pitchers, to provide Rice more opportunities at the plate. While Rice has occasionally caught in a backup role, the organization remains uncertain about his long-term suitability behind the plate relative to other candidates like J.C. Escarra.
With no definitive solution yet, the Yankees must carefully evaluate how to optimize their lineup while integrating Stanton back into everyday play and maintaining Rice’s production.
Implications for the Yankees’ Season and Roster Decisions
Having strong hitters competing for limited roles is a positive dilemma for the Yankees but requires sound decision-making by Aaron Boone and the coaching staff. Ultimately, they will need to select the best nine players for each game, balancing player health, offensive output, and defensive alignment.
The team’s depth provides flexibility, but the evolving Ben Rice and Giancarlo Stanton Yankees dilemma will be a key storyline in New York’s 2024 season. How the Yankees address these challenges could influence their run for a championship as Stanton returns to form and Rice continues to prove his worth.