The New York Yankees (13-8) entered the 2025 season battered by injuries, losing ace Gerrit Cole to season-ending Tommy John surgery, watching Rookie of the Year Luis Gil go down with a lat strain, and dealing with Giancarlo Stanton’s tendinitis in both elbows. Despite the early setbacks, the team has fought hard and nearly secured a six-game win streak—until a stunning 10-8 collapse against the Tampa Bay Rays (9-12) derailed the momentum.
One of the biggest reasons the Yankees have stayed atop the standings has been the breakout performance of designated hitter Ben Rice. Unfortunately, that momentum may have taken another hit. Rice exited Saturday’s game after suffering a left elbow contusion, per MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. While both X-rays and a CT scan came back negative, the injury casts a shadow over a key contributor’s red-hot start.
Rice, a former 12th-round pick, has been a revelation this season. After a tough showing in 2023, he’s flipped the script in 2025 with a .292 batting average, .403 OBP, and .600 slugging percentage, along with five home runs and nine RBIs across 65 at-bats. With several regulars like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe still searching for consistency at the plate, Rice’s unexpected production has been crucial in keeping the Yankees’ offense afloat.
Saturday’s loss was made worse by a bullpen meltdown. Closer Devin Williams blew an 8-4 lead in the ninth, allowing four hits and walking one. The Rays completed the comeback in the 10th when Jonathan Aranda launched a walk-off two-run homer off Yoendrys Gomez, capping a dramatic—and avoidable—defeat for New York.
While it might seem unfair to link the loss directly to Rice’s absence—especially with eight runs on the board—it underscores just how impactful he’s been early this season. The Yankees will look to rebound in Sunday’s series finale, all while hoping for good news on their surprise star’s recovery timeline.
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