Ben Rice DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

As expected, New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (elbow) is back in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Tanner Bibee at Progressive Field, serving as the designated hitter and batting leadoff. Rice suffered a left-elbow contusion after being hit by multiple pitches on Saturday and didn't play on Sunday or for Monday's series opener against Cleveland. The 26-year-old left-handed slugger is back in there on Tuesday, though, and fantasy managers will want to get him back in their starting lineups against a right-handed pitcher. Early on in 2025, Rice has looked like he's primed for a breakout season, hitting .288 (19-for-66) with five home runs, nine RBI, 14 runs scored and two stolen bases as the team's primary DH with Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) out for the foreseeable future. Rice has never faced Bibee in his career.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he expects first baseman/designated hitter Ben Rice (elbow) to be back in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. Rice was hit multiple times on his left elbow on Saturday and sat out the last two games as a result. The 26-year-old was just dealing with an elbow contusion, though, and he's expected back for the second game of the series in Cleveland. Fantasy managers will want to check back later to confirm he's actually back in the starting lineup, but if he is, get him back into your lineups against Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee. Rice is off to a great start in his first full MLB season, slashing .292/.403/.600 with a 1.003 OPS, five home runs, nine RBI and two stolen bases in his first 19 games. He didn't get a hit in either of his last two games, but he did have a four-hit outing on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

New York Yankees first baseman/designated hitter Ben Rice (elbow) is out of Monday's series opener against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field for the second straight day due to a left-elbow contusion that he suffered after being hit by multiple pitches on Saturday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays. For now, fantasy managers should continue to consider him day-to-day, and the 26-year-old could return to action for Game 2 of the series on Tuesday. With Rice out again, outfielder Aaron Judge is serving as the DH and is hitting second, with Pablo Reyes starting in right field and batting eighth against Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams. Rice is on pace for a breakout season in 2025, as he's currently hitting .292 (19-for-65) with five homers, nine RBI and two steals in his first 19 games. Judge is a must-start in fantasy lineups, while Reyes should be ignored for DFS purposes on Monday.

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (elbow) is not in Sunday's lineup when the Yankees conclude a series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Rice was removed from Saturday's contest after being hit by a pitch in his elbow. After the contest, Rice underwent imaging, but the results were negative. Fantasy managers should continue to view Rice as day-to-day as he may be cleared to return on Monday when they start a series against the Cleveland Guardians. Rice has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, holding a .292/.403/.600 slash line with three doubles, one triple, and five long balls. He has tallied nine RBI and held an 18:10 K:BB. The 26-year-old has generated an impressive .477 xwOBA, .337 xBA, and a .696 xSLG, which are well above the average marks. On Sunday, Aaron Judge will shift to the DH spot. If Rice were to remain out on Monday, Judge will likely continue to operate as the team's designated hitter.

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (elbow) was forced to exit early during Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Rice was hit by a pitch twice and was eventually pulled out from the contest due to a left elbow contusion. The Yankees have decided to schedule an MRI and CT scan for Rice to determine the severity of the injury. Fantasy managers will need to be patient and wait for the results of the testing. Rice has been off to a hot start as he's hitting over .290 with five homers, nine RBI, and 10 walks in less than 20 games played.