What's Happening?
Ben Rice made a significant impact in Game 2 of the Yankees' wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox by hitting a two-run homer. After being benched in Game 1 against left-handed pitchers, Rice returned to the lineup against right-handed pitcher Brayan Bello, hitting a home run that put the Yankees up 2-0 in the first inning. Rice's performance underscores his importance in the Yankees' lineup, where he plays both first base and catcher, sharing time with Paul Goldschmidt and Austin Wells.
Why It's Important?
Rice's return and performance in Game 2 highlight his role as a key player in the Yankees' lineup, providing much-needed offensive power. His ability to hit home runs and maintain a high OPS makes him a valuable asset, especially in high-stakes playoff games. The Yankees' decision to bench him in Game 1 was questioned, but his performance in Game 2 validates his importance to the team's success. This game is crucial for the Yankees as they aim to advance in the playoffs.