Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Ben Rice, Yankees first baseman, suffered a left-hand contusion on Sunday when he misjudged a pickoff throw from Max Fried. He has missed multiple consecutive games but the Yankees remain hopeful he will avoid an IL stint. Manager Aaron Boone indicated Rice is day-to-day and hasn't done much baseball activity to avoid aggravation. Rice is expected to return soon, potentially for the upcoming series in Milwaukee. Prior to the injury, Rice was having an exceptional 2026 season, leading the AL with a .343 batting average and 1.214 OPS while also contributing 12 home runs and 27 RBIs in 33 games played.
Strengths
- + Leading AL with .343 batting average
- + 1.214 OPS leads MLB
- + 12 home runs in 33 games
- + 27 RBIs
- + 30 runs scored
- + 2 stolen bases
- + Described as a 'wrecking ball' by manager Aaron Boone
- + Expected to avoid IL placement
- + Day-to-day status suggests quick recovery
- + Yankees winning without him (15-2 in last 17 games)
Weaknesses
- - Left-hand contusion from pickoff throw
- - Missed 4+ consecutive games
- - Unable to get full swing off due to hand soreness
- - Limited baseball activity during recovery
- - Uncertainty about availability as reserve
- - Injury occurred during game action
Injury Status: day-to-day
About
Ben Ramirez is a shortstop for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
SS
Chicago Cubs