Yankees’ Ben Rice Sidelined Despite Confidence Against Left-Handed Pitchers
The Yankees chose to give Paul Goldschmidt a start against lefty Robbie Ray in San Francisco. Ben Rice was left off the initial lineup, though the club expects him to face left-handed pitchers this season.
Lineup move in Oracle Park
Manager Aaron Boone made a full lineup change to counter a rare lefty start. Goldschmidt replaced Rice, Amed Rosario subbed for Ryan McMahon, and Randal Grichuk batted for Trent Grisham.
The Yankees won 3-0. Goldschmidt went 1-for-5 and hit a double from the leadoff spot.
Why Rice sat against Ray
Robbie Ray was the only lefty the Yankees will meet during the first nine games. Boone decided to use right-handed bench bats early in the season.
That approach avoided leaving several right-handed hitters off the bench for long stretches.
Rice’s track record against lefties
Ben Rice was held out of the start but remains in the club’s plans. The team believes Rice can handle left-handed pitchers despite sitting the opener.
Last season Rice hit .208 with a .752 OPS against left-handed pitchers. The Yankees will pick specific matchups for him.
Preference for veteran matchups
Goldschmidt posted a .336 average and .981 OPS against lefties last year. That production makes him a premium option off the bench.
Boone said game flow and upcoming opponents will determine who starts against left-handers.
Bench construction and strategy
The Yankees reshaped their bench in the offseason. They re-signed Goldschmidt and Rosario and added Grichuk on a minor league deal.
All three are proven performers versus left-handed pitching. They also have histories of contributing in part-time roles.
Division matchups and balance
New York expects to face strong left-handed starters in the division. Names such as Garrett Crochet and Trevor Rogers factor into roster planning.
Boone noted opposing clubs often stacked left-handers against them last year. The bench additions aim to restore lineup balance.
Long-term pitching depth
The Yankees signed former Astro Luis Garcia to a two-year minor league deal. He is rehabbing from a second Tommy John and a flexor tendon repair.
Garcia will miss the season while he recovers. The club hopes he could provide value around 2027, when his projected base salary would be $2.5 million, as Filmogaz.com first reported.
- Game: Yankees 3, Giants 0 at Oracle Park
- Matchup reason: Robbie Ray, lefty starter
- Bench subs: Goldschmidt for Rice; Rosario for McMahon; Grichuk for Grisham
- Rice vs lefties (2025): .208 average, .752 OPS
- Goldschmidt vs lefties (2025): .336 average, .981 OPS
