Yankees’ Ben Rice could get some starts at catcher when Giancarlo Stanton returns

Ben Rice caught the final two innings of Tuesday’s blowout win over the Royals, continuing his trend of getting behind the plate only once a game is out of hand.

But soon enough, Rice could begin getting occasional starts at catcher.

Aaron Boone opened the door for that to happen Wednesday while discussing how the Yankees will get everyone enough at-bats once Giancarlo Stanton returns from the injured list, which could be as soon as this weekend at Fenway Park.

Rice, who went 1-for-5 with an RBI in the Yankees’ 6-3 win over the Royals, has caught just 7 ²/₃ innings in his big league career, with the Yankees instead needing him at first base last season and DH this year because of injuries, though his bat has continued to force his way into the lineup.

But he came up through the minor leagues as a catcher and has been doing defensive work there before almost every game with catching director Tanner Swanson to keep him active if needed.

Austin Wells will still get most starts, but Rice could spell him on occasion like J.C. Escarra (16 starts) has done so far, which then creates an issue of how to keep Escarra involved. Boone described it as a “challenge,” but “doable, too.”

“I’ll say with Benny, Benny’s not just a really good hitter that, ‘Oh by the way, he can catch too,’ ” said Boone, who called Rice’s two innings Tuesday “noticeably excellent.”

Ben Rice hits an RBI single during the second inning of the Yankees-Royals game on June 11, 2025.

“This is a skilled catcher. He has demonstrated in his minor league career, this is a really good receiver. He’s got the skill set to do it. Just the role hasn’t been there yet here for him to do it. But I was really pleased with what I saw from him [Tuesday] night, albeit in just a couple innings.”

Stanton, meanwhile, went 1-for-4 Wednesday in his second straight rehab game.

He is unlikely to play Thursday, when the club will make a decision on what comes next.

He will be the main DH when he returns, though Rice could rotate between DH, first base and catcher.

Though Rice has been trying to stay sharp with his defensive work daily, there is no way to simulate catching nine innings.

“At some point, we’ll probably get him back there in a game, but I think the biggest challenge will be actually going out there and catching six, seven, eight, nine innings,” Boone said.

Luke Weaver, closing out a Yankees’ win over the Angels on May 27, 2025, said he had a “great” bullpen session on June 11 as he works his way back from a hamstring strain.

Luke Weaver threw a bullpen session Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium, his second since straining his hamstring on June 1.

He said he felt “great” and is not experiencing any discomfort, which has him trending toward beating the reported four-to-six week timeline.

“It won’t be something we rush or force, but we’re going to listen to his body and how he’s responding,” Boone said. “I would say yes, it seems to be better than maybe the original thought.”

An MRI exam revealed that Jake Cousins is dealing with a UCL injury, but the reliever is gathering multiple opinions before determining his next step.