Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Ben Rice, Yankees first baseman, suffered a left-hand contusion on Sunday (May 5, 2026) when he misjudged a pickoff throw from Max Fried. He has missed multiple consecutive games but tests came back negative. Manager Aaron Boone indicated the injury is day-to-day and does not expect an IL stint at this time. Rice has been one of baseball's best hitters in 2026, leading the AL in batting average (.343) and pacing MLB in OPS (1.214). The Yankees have won games without him but expect his return soon, potentially for the Milwaukee series.
Strengths
- + Leading AL in batting average at .343
- + Pacing MLB in OPS at 1.214
- + 12 home runs in 33 games
- + 27 RBI on the season
- + Tests came back negative for serious injury
- + Manager expects day-to-day recovery without IL stint
- + Yankees 15-2 in last 17 games with Rice sidelined showing team depth
- + Described as a 'wrecking ball' by manager Boone
- + Expected to return soon for upcoming series
Weaknesses
- - Left-hand contusion limiting swing mechanics
- - Missed multiple consecutive games (at least 3)
- - Has not been able to take full swings during recovery
- - Injury occurred during game, forcing early exit
- - Uncertainty about exact return timeline
Injury Status: day-to-day -- Left-hand contusion sustained on May 5, 2026 from pickoff throw. Tests negative. Day-to-day status with no IL stint expected.
About
Ben McLaughlin is a third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Player Overview
3B
Arizona Diamondbacks