TAMPA — Ben Rice, off to a sensational begin this season, exited the Yankees’ recreation towards the Rays on Saturday after taking an 88.2-mph Manuel Rodríguez slider to his left elbow within the fourth inning.
The pitch — the second plunking of Rice’s afternoon — prompted a examine from the Yankees’ coaching workers because the designated hitter made his solution to first base in ache. Whereas Rice initially stayed within the recreation, Pablo Reyes pinch-hit for him within the sixth inning.
The Yankees introduced that Rice exited with a left elbow contusion shortly thereafter. Luckily for the participant and membership, X-rays and a CT scan got here again clear.
Rice, nonetheless sporting his hospital wristband, mentioned he was feeling higher and that he didn’t count on any extra exams. He felt “pretty sore” and regarded himself day-to-day.
“It’s like right on the joint, but also probably got a little muscle in there too,” Rice mentioned. “I was definitely worried about it. It felt fine when Boonie was checking on it on first base. And then as it started to settle in a little bit, I was a little worried about it.”
With Giancarlo Stanton already injured, Rice has been a revelation for the Yankees within the season’s early going. With exit velocities routinely clocking in at over 100 mph, the 26-year-old is hitting .292 with a 1.003 OPS, 5 residence runs and 9 RBI.
Initially Printed: April 19, 2025 at 6:36 PM EDT
