close
close

Yankees player Ben Rice makes strange defensive mistake in Toronto

Posted on by angelo

In response to Anthony Rizzo’s absence, the New York Yankees promoted rookie Ben Rice to take over first base duties. They expected him to put an end to Rizzo’s defensive missteps at first base. However, what the Yankees’ rookie first baseman did in the first inning at Rogers Centre on Thursday has gone down in team history as one of the strangest defensive blunders ever.

In the first inning, with the Blue Jays leading 1-0 and runners on second and third, a soft ground ball by Justin Turner sank down the first base line. Ben Rice chose to let the ball roll, hoping it would turn into a foul. Unfortunately, it hit base, allowing Turner to reach first safely and intensifying the pressure on starting pitcher Carlos Rodon.

Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged that Ben Rice’s lack of experience may have played a role in a crucial play in Thursday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. But this mistake, an obvious mistake that should have been easily avoided, raises questions about Ben Rice’s casual mentality during a crucial game.

Reflecting on the postgame play, Boone noted the complexity of the situation but suggested that Ben Rice should have seized the opportunity to secure the out by fielding the ball quickly. The Yankees manager expressed confidence that the rookie first baseman would learn valuable lessons from his experience and avoid repeating such mistakes in the future.

“His inexperience probably hurt him, but it’s one of those plays that probably won’t happen to him again,” he said after the Yankees’ 9-2 loss to the Blue Jays. “Ultimately, you probably have to take it back, but you know the run is scoring and it’s rolling and if you think it’s a foul, it’s a feeling … it’s just a weird play. But he probably should have taken it back and put it out.”

Yankees’ Ben Rice admits defensive mistake

Ben-Rice-New-York-Yankees

Ben Rice agreed with Boone’s assessment, acknowledging that he misjudged the trajectory of the ball and should have taken a more proactive approach in managing the play.

“They’re weird games. I’ve seen quite a few. They usually stay fair, but I thought the ball was going to start going over the line and that didn’t happen,” the Yankees rookie first baseman conceded. “I probably should have picked her up, but it is what it is. »

The incident underscores the steep learning curve rookies face as they transition to major league play, especially when replacing seasoned veterans like Rizzo, whose impact extends beyond hitting to include critical defensive contributions.

Ben Rice’s defensive error punctuated the game in the first inning, potentially contributing to the Blue Jays’ early 5-0 advantage.

Ben Rice, a 25-year-old former catcher, has minimal experience at first base, having played in just 55 games in the minors. Despite his limited exposure, manager Aaron Boone praised the player’s defensive efforts during his nine major league appearances, emphasizing his ability to hold his own in that position.

Ben Rice of the Yankees reacts after making a defensive error at first base in Toronto on June 27, 2024.

Acknowledging the steep learning curve at first base in the major leagues, Ben Rice highlighted speed of the game, reading batted balls and positioning as areas in which he wants to improve. He expressed satisfaction with its progress so far and commitment to further development.

“Getting more and more comfortable with each game. The more reps in the game, the better,” the rookie said. “It’s a learning process and I’m going to continue to improve as much as I can. I like the improvements I’ve made and I’m going to continue to learn.”

With Anthony Rizzo out for an extended period of time, Ben Rice is poised to continue gaining crucial playing experience at first base for the Yankees. Both Boone and Rice viewed Thursday’s controversial play as a teachable moment rather than a defining setback in the rookie’s journey.

This defensive misstep raises questions as the Yankees rely on Ben Rice to provide stability at first base during Rizzo’s absence.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.