"I just think Benny's presence and the threat to put one in the seats, I thought it was the right thing."
"He hits the ball hard every single time he gets up there,"
"He has great at-bats and knows what he's looking for. When he gets his pitch, he doesn't miss."
Ben Rice arrived at spring training without a defined position and faced an uncertain roster outlook. He secured a place in the Yankees' postseason lineup, starting at first base and batting fifth in the decisive Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series. Rice earned playing time after consistent power hitting since Grapefruit League play and earlier spring DH work during Giancarlo Stanton's elbow issues. He hit a two-run homer in Game 2 and finished the regular season with a .255 average, 26 homers and an .836 OPS. Coaches and teammates praised his hard contact and disciplined at-bats, while scouts noted defensive improvement.
Read at Newsday
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