Yankees folk hero Ben Rice exits for X-Rays after scary HBP

The New York Yankees' offense has been a bright spot in 2025 and a big reason why has been the play of Ben Rice. Yes, Aaron Judge is understandably getting all the headlines right now, but Rice has been one of the Yankees' most consistent offensive threats this year after struggling as a rookie in 2024.

With the Yankees' pitching staff having some real issues with health and depth, having the offense humming along represents the best chance that New York can stay in the hunt for the foreseeable future. Marcus Stroman, Gerrit Cole, and Luis Gil among others being missing from the staff means that no runs can be left on the table right now.

Unfortunately, the laws of physics had other plans as Rice left the Yankees' game on Saturday after being hit by a pitch in his elbow. He is heading to the hospital for further tests.

Ben Rice forced to leave Yankees game early, headed to the hospital for further evaluation

This is obviously bad news, but Yankees fans shouldn't run around and scream at the sky just yet. Rice was clearly uncomfortable after getting hit, but he did stay in the game to run the bases before getting pulled. For now, this feels like New York is just taking precautions with their young star and we will know more once the X-rays and other scans are done.

The timing of Rice's injury is most unfortunate as he is in the middle of a magical start to the season. In the 18 games before his start on Saturday, Rice has posted a .297/.392/.609 line with five homers in 74 plate appearances. That type of production is going to be tough for the Yankees to cover at the moment unless the Yankees want to call up Everson Pereira to play DH.

For now, it is a waiting game for Yankees fans. Regardless of how Rice's scans go, he is probably going to miss New York's next game and that is yet another roster hurdle the Yankees will have to figure out.

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