Yankees designated hitter (DH) Ben Rice, despite a recent dip in his overall statistics, continues to showcase impressive underlying metrics, suggesting that his struggles might be more a matter of bad luck than declining performance. The rookie’s ability to consistently hit the ball hard has caught the attention of both his manager and teammates, raising questions about his future role, especially with Giancarlo Stanton’s impending return. This article explores Rice’s recent performance, his advanced stats, and what the Yankees might do with their roster crunch.
With Stanton’s return on the horizon, the Yankees face a challenge in finding consistent at-bats for all their deserving hitters. Rice, who initially benefited from Stanton’s injury, has made a strong case for continued playing time. How manager Aaron Boone navigates this situation will be crucial for the team’s success, and Rice’s ability to adapt and maintain his high-quality contact will be a key factor in determining his role.
Ben Rice’s Recent Performance Dip
While Ben Rice started the season red-hot, his numbers have cooled off in recent weeks. His batting average dipped from .288 with a 1.005 OPS on April 24 to .244 with an .856 OPS heading into Wednesday’s game against the Angels. Despite this, Rice maintains a positive outlook, focusing on the quality of his at-bats and trusting that the results will eventually align with his hard-hit balls.
According to the NY Post, Rice experienced some particularly frustrating luck on Monday night, fouling two balls off the same spot on his left foot. However, the very next night, he blasted a 423-foot home run, his 11th of the season, demonstrating his ability to bounce back and continue contributing to the team’s offense. These numbers suggest a player who, despite facing challenges, still possesses the power and skill to impact games.
Underlying Metrics Tell a Different Story
Despite the dip in traditional stats, Ben Rice’s underlying metrics remain strong. He boasts an impressive average exit velocity of 94.5 mph, ranking seventh in the majors, alongside names like Oneil Cruz, Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge. This statistic indicates Rice’s consistent ability to make hard contact, a key factor in predicting future success.
Furthermore, his hard-hit rate, which measures balls hit at 95 mph or harder, stands at 58.3 percent, placing him fifth in MLB. Rice’s expected batting average, which factors in the quality of contact, is .288. These metrics suggest that Rice’s performance has been better than his surface numbers indicate, supporting the idea that he has been a victim of bad luck.
Manager Aaron Boone’s Endorsement
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has expressed confidence in Ben Rice, noting that he continues to hit the ball hard. Boone acknowledged that Rice hasn’t always had the results to show for his efforts but emphasized the importance of focusing on the process rather than solely on immediate outcomes.
“Dig back through, he’s hitting the ball hard still,” Boone said. “He just hasn’t had a lot to show for in and around that. But I still feel like he’s hitting a couple balls hard every time he’s out there. I like where he’s at.” Boone’s continued support underscores the team’s belief in Rice’s potential and ability to contribute, even when the numbers don’t immediately reflect it. The manager’s comments highlight the value of underlying metrics in evaluating player performance.
The Judge Comparison: A Tale of Two At-Bats
The epitome of Ben Rice’s recent misfortune occurred during a game in Denver, highlighted by back-to-back at-bats with Aaron Judge. Rice rocketed a 108.3 mph line drive to right field that was snagged for an out, while Judge followed with a 69.7 mph bloop single that fell in the same area.
This sequence of events perfectly illustrates the disparity between quality of contact and actual results. Despite Rice’s hard-hit ball, it was Judge who reached base. However, Rice did eventually find some luck, lacing a 112.8 mph double later in the game, providing a glimpse of what his bat is capable of when the ball finds a gap. It’s important to remember that baseball is a game of averages and even the best hitters experience periods of bad luck.
Rodón’s View: Bad Luck and Continued Potential
Carlos Rodón, another member of the Yankees, has also recognized the quality of Rice’s at-bats, noting the number of hard-hit balls that have been directed right at fielders. After a strong start to his MLB career, Rice experienced a significant cool-down, leading to a demotion to Triple-A in September. Rodon also made note of the balls he had been hitting hard right at fielders of late.
The Yankees believed that some of the struggles stemmed from bad luck, though Rice wasn’t hitting the ball as hard as he is now. Rice continues to dominate fastballs this season, batting .325 with a .688 slugging percentage and an average exit velocity of 97.9 mph against them. However, pitchers have found more success with breaking balls, against which he has a .132 average and .302 slugging percentage.
The Impending Return of Giancarlo Stanton
Giancarlo Stanton, currently in Tampa, is scheduled to participate in live at-bats for a week before potentially starting rehab games the following week. If all goes according to plan, Stanton could be activated shortly thereafter. The Yankees, therefore, must make tough decisions about their roster.
When Stanton returns, the Yankees will face a challenge in managing their lineup. Boone will need to find ways to provide enough at-bats for all deserving hitters. The current system involves rotating Rice, Paul Goldschmidt, Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Domínguez, depending on how Boone manages the DH spot. Stanton’s limited positional flexibility adds to the complexity, as he primarily occupies the DH role.
Finding a Spot: Rice’s Positional Flexibility
Ben Rice has taken grounders at third base during pregame warmups. The Yankees insist this is just for fun. Rice has also played four games at catcher this season, albeit late in blowout games. These scenarios have been limited to late-game situations so far.
For now, the Yankees are committed to exploring Rice’s potential within his current role. But the versatility Rice offers in other positions provides Boone with options to keep his bat in the lineup. As the season progresses, Rice’s ability to adapt and excel in multiple roles could be pivotal in securing his place on the team, further solidifying his status as a key contributor to the Yankees’ success.
Conclusion: Rice’s Hard Hits Deserve a Chance
Ben Rice’s recent struggles at the plate don’t tell the whole story. While his surface statistics may indicate a slump, his underlying metrics reveal a player consistently hitting the ball hard, suggesting that better results are on the horizon. Manager Aaron Boone’s continued support and the recognition from teammates like Carlos Rodón highlight the team’s belief in Rice’s potential.
As the Yankees navigate the complexities of their roster with Giancarlo Stanton’s impending return, Ben Rice’s ability to maintain a high quality of contact and his potential versatility in the field position him as a valuable asset. Time will tell if Rice capitalizes and converts the hard hits into tangible results, but, with his current skillset, he is primed to solidify his role in the Bronx.
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