The New York Yankees are shaking up their batting order, introducing Ben Rice as their third leadoff hitter in the early 2025 MLB season. Rice has been impressive, boasting a .385 batting average with two home runs, prompting manager Aaron Boone to praise his hitting capability. Although primarily a catcher, Rice's versatility allows him to play first base. Boone expressed confidence in his defensive skills while managing his game time, suggesting a perfect scenario would see Rice catching regularly.

In roster updates, the Yankees will welcome back closer Devin Williams from the paternity list, while DJ LeMahieu is nearing a return from injury. Clarke Schmidt is set for a rehab start, aiming to rejoin the team soon, and Ian Hamilton is expected to be activated shortly. The Yankees are navigating early-season challenges as they prioritize maintaining their competitive edge.