Ben Rice's stats against lefties aren't even that bad

Ben Rice actually hits left-handed pitching just fine.

You wouldn't know it by how quickly the New York Yankees and manager Aaron Boone bench him each time they're going to be against a southpaw starter.

It's happening again on April 22 in Fenway Park against Boston's Ranger Suarez. It seems like it won't be the last time.

So it's worth noting that Rice does OK against lefties, too.

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Ben Rice stats against LHP

Yes, Rice has been a more productive hitter against right-handers. 

But his numbers against lefties look fine, too (through April 21):

• 188 plate appearances
• 6 doubles
• 1 triple
• 11 homers
• 24 RBI
• 20 BB
• 53 K
• .202 average
• .743 OPS

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No, they aren't spotless, but they also haven't gotten much of a chance. Less than 200 plate appearances is a relatively small sample, but Rice has still shown power and a good eye at the plate. 

He strikes out a bit more against left-handers, and so sure, if he's going to get a day off, it might as well be against a lefty.

But not every time. Rice is an improved hitter from 2024 to 2025, and again from 2025 to 2026. He hasn't gotten enough chance to show how that works out against same-sided pitching.

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