Yankees, Ben Rice and Giancarlo Stanton
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BOSTON — For a team struggling to score runs all weekend, the Yankees only made matters worse against the Red Sox with some shaky baserunning that cost them again in Sunday’s 2-0 loss. This time, the culprit was Ben Rice, who was caught breaking too early while trying to steal third in the top of the third inning.
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Ben Rice may be part of lineup twist Boone hinted at originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Giancarlo Stanton could be back in the Yankees’ lineup as soon as this weekend. And when he returns, he’ll take over the designated hitter spot. That means fewer chances for Ben Rice—at least at DH.
Facing the Red Sox (37-36) on back-to-back weekends, the Yankees (42-28) dropped five of six and seemingly gave life to their rival’s season. In The Bronx, it was their pitching that failed them. At Fenway, it was their lifeless bats, plus a costly baserunning miscue in each of the past two games.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated Wednesday that Rice could see starts at catcher after Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) returns from the 60-day injured list, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.
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Yanks Go Yard on MSNAaron Boone's reaction after Ben Rice's fundamental disaster sums up Yankees-Red SoxAaron Boone of the New York Yankees stared straight ahead after Ben Rice got picked off to end yet another rally vs. the Boston Red Sox.
According to Statcast, Yankee Stadium has a park factor of 126 on home runs for left-handed hitters, making it 26% more favorable. However, it also has a park factor of 82 on singles for left-handed hitters, making it 18% harder for lefties to reach first on a hit.