Ben Rice continues to hit the ball hard for Yankees

Ben Rice has been on fire since the Grapefruit League, and his hot streak has continued into the regular season for the Yankees. His ability to consistently hit the ball hard has caught the attention of manager Aaron Boone, who praised Rice’s at-bat quality and impressive exit velocities. In fact, Rice currently leads the majors with an average exit velocity of 100 mph, even surpassing Aaron Judge.

Despite a small sample size, Rice’s performance at the plate has been nothing short of impressive. He is currently batting .320 with a 1.073 OPS, showcasing his ability to make an impact in the Yankees’ lineup. Even though he was robbed of extra bases by Pirates right fielder Andrew McCutchen, Rice’s underlying metrics suggest that his success at the plate could be sustainable.

Boone expressed his confidence in Rice as a hitter, noting that his growth physically and mentally has contributed to his success this season. Rice made a splash in the big leagues last summer, hitting .294 with four home runs in his first 17 games before cooling off towards the end of the season. However, Boone believes that Rice’s struggles were not as bad as they seemed, as he was hitting the ball hard despite the poor results.

This season, Rice has been filling in as the designated hitter for the injured Giancarlo Stanton, as well as making a start at first base. While he still aims to prove himself as a major league catcher, Rice’s primary focus has been on his offensive performance. With Stanton’s return still uncertain, the Yankees will look to find a way to keep Rice’s hot bat in the lineup.

Rice’s confidence and comfort at the plate have been noticeable, with coaches and teammates recognizing his strong mindset. As he continues to showcase his hitting ability and make an impact for the Yankees, Rice is determined to prove that he belongs in the big leagues. With his strong play and newfound confidence, Rice is poised to be a key contributor for the Yankees this season.