Yankees Bench Ben Rice Despite Confidence in His Lefty-Hitting Skills

Ben Rice did not start for the Yankees in Friday’s game at Oracle Park. Manager Aaron Boone said Rice will still get chances against left-handers later this season.

Lineup decision at Oracle Park

Boone opened with a full lineup change to face Giants lefty Robbie Ray. Paul Goldschmidt started in place of Rice and went 1-for-5 with a double from the leadoff spot. The Yankees won 3-0.

Bench construction and strategy

New York intentionally added right-handed bench options this offseason. The Yankees re-signed Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario, and added Randal Grichuk from a minor-league deal. The trio can produce in spot duty and provide balance against left-handed pitching.

Matchups and lefty numbers

Rice hit .208 with a .752 OPS versus lefties last season. Goldschmidt hit .336 with a .981 OPS against lefties in that same span.

Manager’s approach

Boone noted that Robbie Ray was the only lefty on the club’s early nine-game slate. He said that schedule shaped the decision to use right-handed bench bats to avoid long stretches without playing them.

Division context

Boone added that balance matters because opponents often stack lefty pitchers. He pointed to division lefties such as Garrett Crochet and Trevor Rogers as particular threats.

Luis Garcia signing

The Yankees signed former Astro Luis Garcia to a two-year minor-league deal. He is rehabbing from a second Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair performed in October. New York views the move as a low-risk option with upside for 2027, and ESPN reported his potential 2027 base salary would be $2.5 million.

The Yankees benched Ben Rice for the opener despite confidence in his lefty-hitting skills. Expect more opportunities for Rice against southpaws as the season progresses.