Yankees Call Up Top Prospect To Fill in for Anthony Rizzo

The New York Yankees lost first baseman Anthony Rizzo to a fractured arm in the series against the Red Sox after an awkward collision at first base.

Rizzo had been struggling at the plate, which may have led the Yankees to making a move anyway, but with the unexpected 4 to 6 week absence, the Yankees have been forced into making a move immediately.

The Yankees will fill the hole at first base by calling up prospect Ben Rice. Rice plays catcher and first base while ranked as the Yankees' 12th-best prospect prospect according to MLB.com. This season, Rice has split time between Double-A and Triple-A, batting .275 with 15 Home Runs and 36 RBIs.

This move shows that the Yankees are approaching this season much differently than they have in the past. In past years, the Yankees would've waited until Rice played more games at Triple-A, but now the team is approaching this season with an "all-in" mentality.

Calling up Rice won't stop the Yankees from making a deal before the trade deadline, but he can definitely affect the team's plans. At just 25 years old, Rice being a long-term fit at first base can help the Yankees with their payroll issues as the team prepares to make a run at re-signing Juan Soto.

Is First Base a Top Trade Deadline Priority?

The Yankees will have four players who can play first base when Anthony Rizzo returns, as Oswaldo Cabrera, Ben Rice, and DJ LeMahieu have all played the position as well. The Yankees also have a solid player in TJ Rumfield in the minor leagues, who has won a minor league gold glove while batting .305. The Yankees have a few massive needs heading into the trade deadline and Rice's play may determine whether the Yankees explore options at first base or if they'll address other needs.

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