There’s bad luck, and then there’s what the Yankees face. Last year, they lost Gerrit Cole at the first leg, and the Yankees’ starting rotation couldn’t make a comeback throughout the year. This year, things were going all fine until now, when their top-performing first baseman, Ben Rice, made a sudden exit from the third game against the Orioles.

While the fans were left baffled, the latest update surely would not be something the Bleacher Creatures would like.

“Ben Rice has been removed from the game,” Talkin’ Yanks shared via X.

Rice left the game by the 4th inning without any major indication. He still scored 2 runs and 2 hits, including 1 HR, in his 2 at-bats. However, just as we were wondering about what happened, a few eagle-eyed fans might have found the reason. A more detailed observation suggested that Rice might have sustained his injury to his hand while defending at first base.

A pickoff throw off Max Fried hit hard at his left hand, and the footage shows that he appeared in pain. While there’s still no official word from the Yankees, it’s likely he was removed after this incident. As per the latest update, Rice might have faced a minor bruise. “X-rays were negative on Ben Rice’s thumb. It’s a contusion, and he’s day-to-day,” Talkin’ Baseball shared.

So, he is not coming to play against the Orioles, and let’s see if Rice can be back by the next series against the Rangers.

Just when the Yankees are topping the AL East, this is the least expected thing for the fans. And why not? Before his exit, Rice recorded a .330 batting average with 11 home runs and 26 RBIs through 32 games this season. In his last 70 games, he had scored 21 HRs at .324. So, leaving him aside means a lot for the Yankees.

Currently, Rice has been replaced by Paul Goldschmidt. And his day-to-day means Goldschmidt would continue at first base for now. Just a few days ago, it was Giancarlo Stanton who was sidelined with injuries, and now, after Rice, the Yankees’ offense surely took a hard hit.

However, we are making a wild guess here about the Yankees manager. Aaron Boone might have had it easier now to choose between Rice and Goldschmidt. Reportedly, Boone occasionally sits Rice against left-handed pitchers to platoon him with Paul Goldschmidt. Reason? Ben Rice is 11-30 with 5 homers and 7 RBIs in 35 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers this season.

But what about their offense against the Right-handers now? The Yankees might be working, but for the fans, it’s nothing less than a heartbreak.

The Yankees fans are left baffled by Ben Rice’s injury

Is there anything the fans could do to help Ben Rice get back to action? Fans wonder. “Rice, you can have my whole body, please be okay,” one fan said. We feel for the fans here. Rice had one three-run homer last month and another this month. Moreover, last month, his home run against the Royals marked his fourth consecutive game with a home run.

Hence, no wonder the fans are so desperate for him. “idc what part of the body it is, take it from me and give it to him,” another fan shared the same feeling. We wish that could have been done. Still, the only silver lining was that it’s still not a major injury. “IMO it’s precautionary…..I hope,” one user remarked. We pray for the same.

If it’s precautionary, then Rice should get back by the next series against the Rangers. Still, we would wait for an official statement from the Yankees. Hopefully, that will come after the game.

“Crazy way to halt all the momentum from what has been an MVP start to a season,” another fan added. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Rice has taken an MVP-like start this year. Over the first month of the season, Rice’s offensive production has placed him alongside Aaron Judge as one of the elite hitters in Major League Baseball.

Till late April, Rice was projected as MLB’s best first baseman. “In 2026, we have a group of first basemen off to great starts,” ESPN’s David Schoenfield writes. “… But Rice has been the best of the bunch, hitting .322/.447/.744 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs.” He was carrying his momentum so well. Today’s game also witnessed his clutch hit.

But let’s now hope that when Rice comes back from his bruise, the numbers will be maintained as now. “I wish him a quick recovery,” one user said. The only thing we as the fans could do now is. Let’s hope that he will be back by the next series. Till then, the Yankees’ fans’ patience will be tested.