Giancarlo Stanton’s Return Forcing Yankees To Rethink Young Slugger's Role

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 7:28 PM ET

Giancarlo Stanton could be back in the Yankees’ lineup as soon as this weekend. And when he returns, he’ll take over the designated hitter spot. That means fewer chances for Ben Rice—at least at DH.

The Yankees don’t have everyday at-bats waiting for him. Paul Goldschmidt has settled in at first base and is hitting over .300. Rice has shown he belongs, but there’s no clear path to keep his bat in the lineup every day.

Boone hinted at a workaround.

“Ben Rice could get some starts behind the plate once Giancarlo Stanton returns,” the manager said, according to The New York Post’s Greg Joyce. So far, Rice, a catcher in the minor leagues, has mostly appeared behind the plate in late blowouts. But JOBoone praised the way he’s handled those moments—and all the daily work fans don’t see.

“He’s earned everything in his pregame work and in the late innings we’ve given him,” Boone said earlier this month.

It’s not just lip service. Rice has 12 home runs in just over 50 games and an OPS north of .800. He’s hitting .240 and hasn’t looked overwhelmed at the plate. Goldschmidt, meanwhile, is batting .310 with a .825 OPS and leads the team in doubles.

He’s not getting days off without a good reason.

With Stanton locked in at DH and Goldschmidt at first, Rice’s next shot at meaningful innings might come behind the plate. That’s where he played in college, and it might be the only spot in the current lineup where there’s room.

Boone’s comments suggest the Yankees aren’t about to stash Rice on the bench. He won’t be in the lineup every night, but it sounds like they’re trying to keep him close to it.

Stanton returns soon. Rice’s real opportunity might follow.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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