Despite a noticeable cooling off since Aaron Judge's departure from the lineup, Ben Rice continues to be a vital offensive presence for the New York Yankees.
When Judge was last active, Rice was leading the majors with a 1.056 OPS and tied for the team lead with 17 home runs. His strong performance had even placed him in early American League MVP consideration, playing alongside Judge. The loss of Judge to a fractured rib was anticipated to impact the Yankees' offense, and that impact has been felt.
Rice himself has acknowledged a lack of consistency since Judge's injury. However, since the start of June, Rice has still managed to hit 17 home runs and drive in 35 runs. His early-season surge demonstrated his potential to be a significant power bat for the team, even with a superstar like Judge in the lineup.
The Yankees' offensive capabilities are being tested in Judge's absence, and Rice's continued presence, even with a slump, highlights his importance to the team's overall production. His ability to hit for power remains a key factor as the team navigates this challenging period.