Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Ben Rice Injury Update: Yankees DH Exits Game Early

It's not always bad news!

Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Saturday’s 10-8 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays was a tough pill for the New York Yankees to swallow, especially after a gut-wrenching ninth-inning collapse. But as if that weren’t enough, the situation grew more concerning when Ben Rice, the Yankees’ hot-hitting designated hitter, walked off the field grimacing in pain after taking a pitch off his elbow, his second of the game.

It could have been a disastrous turn of events, but fortunately, it seems Rice avoided a major injury. After the game, the Yankees delivered some good news: Ben Rice’s X-rays came back clean, showing no fractures or structural damage, just a badly bruised elbow. That’s a huge relief for the team, especially given Rice’s importance early in the season.

Ben Rice's X-rays and CT scan came back negative, the Yankees said.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) April 19, 2025

Rice himself expressed relief and optimism following the tests. While he acknowledged that he would take it day by day, he seemed confident that he would be back on the field soon, though the team would monitor his progress closely.

“I was definitely worried about it,” Rice said. “It felt fine when [manager Aaron Boone] was checking on it on first base. Then as it started to settle in a little bit, I was a little worried about it.”

Ben Rice in a bit of pain after getting hit by this pitch pic.twitter.com/GkpiYkGByt
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 19, 2025

The hit came in the top of the fourth inning when Rays pitcher Manuel Rodríguez threw an 88 mph slider that nailed Rice on his left elbow. The impact was immediate, and Rice was clearly in discomfort, prompting a visit from Boone and a trainer. Though Rice stayed in briefly to run the bases after being hit, scoring on a sacrifice fly from Austin Wells, he was still favoring the elbow. Not long after, he made his way to the clubhouse, with trainer in tow, and Pablo Reyes pinch-hit for him when his spot came up again in the lineup. This wasn’t the first time Rice had been hit during the game, earlier, a pitch nailed him on his left foot. He scored both times.

How Important is Ben Rice to the Yankees?

Through just 19 games, Rice has emerged as one of the Yankees’ most important contributors in 2025. With a .292 batting average and an impressive 1.003 OPS, Rice has been an offensive powerhouse, providing the team with elite power and plate discipline. He ranks in the 99th percentile or better for average exit velocity, barrel percentage, and hard-hit rate, all key indicators of his exceptional production. His performance has been nothing short of MVP-caliber, especially considering he is still a rookie.

ALSO READ: Aaron Judge Stands By Devin Williams After Yankees Closer Implodes in the Ninth

Rice has been a crucial part of the Yankees’ offense, stepping up in the absence of Giancarlo Stanton and plugging the gap left by Juan Soto’s departure to the Mets. Not only has Rice provided power, but he has also been a reliable leadoff hitter, setting the tone at the top of the lineup and consistently getting on base to create RBI opportunities for Aaron Judge and the rest of the Yankees’ hitters.

In any other situation here you’re walking Ben Rice here to load the bases and face somebody else

Problem was Judge was up next so no can do.

Ben Rice proceeds to rip his 4th hit in 6 innings to drive in 2. The man does not stop hitting pic.twitter.com/XovJeGKp36
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) April 18, 2025

The team has certainly relied heavily on Rice’s bat this season, and losing him for any extended period of time would be a significant blow. However, for now, it seems the Yankees have avoided the worst-case scenario. Rice will take it day by day, and for the Yankees, the hope is that this injury will only be a brief setback.

Ben Rice

Yankees

Mohsin Baldiwala

mlb

Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.